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CAFOD

Helping children in Ukraine start the new school year with dignity

7 July 2025
Helping children in Ukraine start the new school year with dignity

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 well-being — a soft toy, a kind postcard, or simply a moment of calm in an uncertain world.

CAFOD is once again supporting 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.

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 is once again supporting 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.

You can help children get their school bags

From £3 for plasticine, cardboard and an eraser to £37 for a fully-equipped bag, every gift will go directly to provide as many children as possible with a school bag. Thank you.

How your donations helped last year

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 campaign.

Thank you so much to everyone who got involved. We hope you can join in this year again to supply even more bags and supplies.