Ania’s story from Donetsk: the path to a new home and a small dream

Anya was born and raised in Donetsk, Ukraine. She is now 15 years old. The girl is not alone in the family – she has a younger brother. For the past few years, they have been living with their uncle and grandmother in Vinnytsia.

Anya’s dreams are very girly – good perfume and cosmetics. But this is something that the family lacks the money for and that no grant project will cover. Instead, we will be able to make the girl’s dream come true thanks to the Free Children – Free Dreams crowdfunding project.

“Donetsk used to be better,” said Ania’s grandmother. The girl herself remembers only the times of occupation. After the start of the full-scale invasion, life in the city became even more difficult: electricity and water were cut off, and the security situation deteriorated. So when her uncle offered to move to Vinnytsia, the family agreed.

The trip was organized and paid for by the team of the Ukrainian Child Rights Network. The family liked Vinnytsia. Anya says it is a very cozy and clean city.

“I started learning Ukrainian because language classes were canceled after the fourth grade in Donetsk school. It was difficult, but I managed to cope with it,” says Anya about the difficulties of reintegration.

She was very worried that she would not be able to find friends. She is very sociable and open-minded. Luckily, her fears turned out to be in vain. Anya already has several friends who support her.

“I like art, I go to an art class. I also go to ballroom dancing. I try to plan my life ahead – I want to become a hairdresser or a manicurist,” says Anya.

When we asked her what she would like as a gift, what does she dream about? Anya says that she would like good perfume and cosmetics.

Ania’s drawing

“My grandmother and I don’t have the opportunity to buy it now. But I often notice beautiful and well-groomed girls and women on the street. When they pass by me, I feel a trail of fragrance. I want to have my own scent so that when I walk, others will also think of me,” says Anya.

To support the girl and other children who have survived deportation and occupation, the Ukrainian Child Rights Network has launched a fundraising campaign called Free Children – Free Dreams. You can donate any amount and make the girl’s dream come true.