According to experts, the cumulative damages of the past two years and the ongoing Russian attacks on the country's energy and electricity infrastructure are having a massive impact on daily life in Ukraine.
Millions of people in Ukraine are now experiencing daily disruptions in reliable power and heat supplies. Hospitals, schools, and other civilian facilities are particularly struggling to maintain their operations. Targeted attacks on power plants and electricity networks are putting pressure on the entire country, extending beyond the contested eastern regions of Ukraine, as demonstrated by the missile strikes in Lviv this fall.
Our mission remains as crucial as ever: Through the "Shelter Ukraine" project, Schüler*innen Helfen Leben (SHL) provides safe and supportive spaces with a local partner organization where children and youth can come together in educational, therapeutic, and recreational programs, creating a sense of community and distance from the war's daily impact and traumatic experiences.
To ensure that these essential programs can continue even amid frequent power outages, we rely on portable power stations. With your donation, we can provide light, warmth, and electricity through these energy sources, enabling children and youth to continue learning, playing, and recovering.
The Russian invasion has displaced millions of people to date, separated families, and traumatized countless children and youth. The war experiences have a profound impact on the mental health of these individuals. Particularly for children and youth, processing these experiences can be challenging. For them, the war means losing family members, a sense of security, and a childhood-appropriate daily life. Many can no longer attend school or spend time with friends, both of which are critical for their personal development, while also facing increased risk of psychological distress.
Olga, the mother of a participant, describes the importance of the "Shelter Ukraine" project for youth: “Thanks to 'Shelter Ukraine,' Oleksiy not only participated in wonderful activities like chess, language classes, and the young inventors’ club, but also discovered new interests and made friends. This support has helped us immensely in adjusting to life in Lviv.”
This is why our support at the eight locations across Ukraine remains indispensable. In addition to educational and therapeutic offerings, we provide recreational opportunities such as sports, outdoor, and cultural activities that offer youth much-needed distraction and social interaction. These activities are often the first step in restoring a sense of normalcy and security for these children and youth.