In connection with russia's military aggression, a large number of Ukrainian citizens are forced migrants and temporarily live in the city of Zaporizhye. In particular, a large number of children. Unfortunately, due to constant fear and stress, today most children from the occupied territories have mental health problems. What can be said about those families in which children with special needs are raised.

In 2018, the Inclusive Resource Center was established by the Tokmak District Council in Molochansk, Zaporizhye region. Its purpose was to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the development of children with special educational needs in this region and conduct corrective and developmental classes. Up to 30 children visited the center every day. Up to 120 children per year. Specialists conducted individual and group classes with children with special educational needs: intellectual and speech disorders, autism spectrum disorders, mental retardation, hearing and vision impairment, Down syndrome.

As part of the work of the "Being Parents" School, seminars, round tables and workshops were held for parents raising children with special needs. Also, in the IRC every year events were held for the Day of People with Disabilities, New Year, St. Nicholas, Mother's Day, Child Protection Day and many others. The children received a lot of positivity during the fun activities, baking pizzas and Christmas cookies, playing and doing various developmental tasks.

Also, for three years in a row, the All-Ukrainian summer school "Exclusive Inclusive" (Berdyansk) was held at the CU "IRC" of the Ministry of Education and Culture, which was attended by teachers from all over Ukraine who work with children who have special educational needs. The coaches of the School were both Ukrainian and foreign coaches.

Everything used to be so good...

Due to russia's war against Ukraine, the Center, unfortunately, cannot work as usual.

As of January 1, 2023, there are almost 700 children with special educational needs registered in the CU "Inclusive Resource Center" of the MMR. There are currently up to 200 children of the Molochan community in the city of Zaporizhye. Despite russia's war against Ukraine, constant shelling of civilians, the center's specialists continue to work. The classes have to be held remotely, but they are aimed more at helping parents continue their children's development while at home. And in order to raise the morale of families and distract children from the fears of war, in December 2022, the leadership held cycles of holiday and entertainment events for St. Nicholas Day and Christmas.

Charitable organizations, including BF "Happy Child", joined the organization of the events, which were held in the Magara Drama Theater. As a result, happy children and satisfied parents. Therefore, they decided to continue such measures. Every Sunday, during February 2023, the CU "Inclusive Resource Center" of the Molochan City Council, with the support of the staff of the named after Magara and BF "Happy Child", organized a series of sports and entertainment events "Supporting the psychophysical and emotional health of children in the conditions of martial law". Not only the children of the Molochan community took part in the events, but also of the Vasyliv, Orihiv, Rozdol communities and the Kherson region... These are, once again, super emotions, positive impressions, an opportunity to plunge into childhood and a sense of security.

During the short time of getting to know the Center, the foundation spent 1 353 $ only on holding children's events. Separately, support is constantly provided in the form of baby food, hygiene products and clothing. For some wards of the center, we purchase special baby food, medicines and medical equipment. Thanks to international donors, a hearing aid was purchased for a boy with hearing impairment. And recently, a couple from Germany, Oliver and Verena, handed over power banks to 13 low-income families so that no energy crisis would interfere with their children's education.

Bright children's eyes are the goal of our work and a significant contribution to a happy future.

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