Event Report: Advocating for Ukrainian Children Amidst War
On Wednesday, December 4th, the Ukraine Volya Foundation, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Social Club of Georgetown University, hosted an event that brought urgent attention to the plight of children affected by the war in Ukraine. Held in the Arrupe Multipurpose Room, in Georgetown University the gathering provided a platform for impactful dialogue, education, and advocacy.
Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion
The event began with the screening of a powerful short documentary made by the Ukraine Volya Foundation last March. The film offered a window into the lives of children in Ukrainian orphanages. It highlighted their extraordinary resilience while underscoring the devastating impact of war on their mental and emotional well-being.
Following the screening, a panel discussion brought together experts from various fields to discuss critical issues related to children’s rights and well-being during conflict. The panel was moderated by Maria Stolyar, co-founder of Sofia Art and a seasoned professional with over 20 years of international development experience.
We express our deepest gratitude to the incredible speakers who led this meaningful conversation:
Gillian Huebner, Executive Director of the Collaborative on Global Children's Issues at Georgetown University, emphasized the importance of addressing children’s trauma and ensuring their rights are prioritized on the global stage.
Trygve Borve, a Norwegian child and youth psychologist, shared insights into the long-term psychological impacts of war on children and the critical role of ongoing mental health support in fostering recovery.
Nataliya Vyetrova, CEO of Ukraine Volya Foundation, provided firsthand accounts of efforts to support children in Ukraine, while raising awareness of systemic issues such as the deportation of children to other countries and the lack of sustained international attention to their plight.
Key Topics Discussed
The panel shed light on several pressing topics:
The psychological trauma experienced by children and the constant need for accessible therapy and support services.
The importance of recognizing and defending children’s rights during times of conflict, as outlined in international frameworks.
The disturbing reality of forced deportations of Ukrainian children to other countries and the urgent need for global intervention.
The lack of consistent international focus on children affected by war and the critical role of advocacy in ensuring their needs remain a priority.
This event underscored the power of education and community in driving change. By fostering dialogue and raising awareness, we can help address the challenges faced by Ukraine’s children and advocate for a global response to protect their rights.
The Ukrainian Society and Ukraine Volya Foundation thank the speakers, attendees, and all those who supported this event. Together, we can continue to shine a light on this vital issue and provide hope and healing to the most vulnerable.
Stay Connected
To learn more and support ongoing initiatives, follow the Georgetown Ukrainian Society and Ukraine Volya Foundation. Let’s work together to make a difference for the children of Ukraine.
