For the coming school year in September, most schools in Ukraine plan to welcome children back either in person or a mixture of classroom and online lessons. For many families, this brings not only hope but also significant challenges.
Families living in difficult circumstances often struggle to afford a full school bag due to ongoing financial hardship. Thousands of children will need school supplies to begin the year with dignity, without feeling left out.
For many children, a school bag is more than just supplies — it symbolises care, stability and a fresh start, especially for those who have lost their homes or lived through evacuation.
Just as vital as pencils and notebooks are the small, comforting items that support a child’s emotional wellbeing — a soft toy, a kind postcard, or simply a moment of calm in an uncertain world.
CAFOD has once again supported one of our partners in Ukraine to deliver school bags to the children of families living in difficult circumstances who may otherwise struggle to afford a full school bag due to ongoing financial hardship.
Given the ongoing war and the deep emotional scars it leaves on children, this year’s campaign will have a new focus. The bags will be filled with items of psychological support, as well as essential school supplies. The psychological support items will include materials to help children cope with stress, express their emotions and find inner resources through creativity, play and self-expression.
How your donations are helping
This year you have helped buy fully-equipped bags for around 70 children.
Last year you helped buy 50 children in the Kamianske region their own fully-equipped school bags. In total, over 5,000 children received bags as a result of the 2024 campaign.
Thank you so much to everyone who has got involved. We hope you can join in again in future to supply even more children with bags.