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Boy evacuated from the temporarily occupied territories
Within the framework of the initiative of the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA and thanks to the work of the Ukrainian Child Rights Network partners, another child has safely returned from the temporarily occupied territories (TOT).
At the beginning of the large-scale war, Mykhailo, along with his mother and grandmother, found themselves under occupation. To avoid unnecessary attention, he had to go to a Russian school. This was a difficult experience for him: he felt like a stranger in the new environment, and his relationships with his classmates did not work out.
The family was aware of all the risks of staying in the occupation and repeatedly tried to leave for the territory controlled by Ukraine. However, the attempts failed every time.
Eventually, on the advice of a neighbor, Mykhailo’s mother turned to the specialists of the Ukrainian Child Rights Network. Her main request was to take her son to a safe place with a relative, as she could not leave her grandmother, whose health had deteriorated significantly due to stress and lack of medication.
Thanks to the coordinated work of the specialists, Mykhailo’s evacuation became possible.
Today Mykhailo is safe. For the first time in three years, he was able to hug his favorite aunt, who warmly welcomed him. Mykhailo plans to return to school in Ukraine as soon as possible.
For security reasons, the child’s name was changed.
Each child we bring back is a step closer to a brighter future, and together we will continue this path towards the great goal of all Ukrainian children being home again.
The Ukrainian Child Rights Network, in partnership with SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit and Hermann-Gmeiner-Fonds Deutschland e.V., is implementing the project “The Way Home: A New Route” to help with the return and reintegration of deported children and youth.