In the haunting shadows of Ukraine's conflict, evenings are marked by the dreams of children. Dreams of missile strikes and the dreaded fear they bring. Speak to Alisa (11), residing in Dnipro, and she will recount her nightmarish scenario. A child who has personally witnessed war, spending days tucked in a bunker with her family, enduring the incessant threat.
Displaced and seeking sanctuary, Alisa, along with her younger siblings Alena (5), Veronika (2) and Andrey (8), found themselves taken to the small village of Domboky. The village has a population of 493 inhabitants and is located in the western Ukrainian region of Mukachevo. Far from the ear-splitting explosions and missile strikes, Domboky is home to 62 children and young adults. Some have been deemed orphans, while others were evacuated from war-torn towns and villages.
Dwarfed by the conflict's sheer size, the healthcare system in Ukraine was already teetering on the brink. Now, in the wake of this turmoil, the situation has worsened significantly. The orphanage in Domboky, in a cruel twist of fate, houses children between the ages of 2 and 15 years old, some who have endured severe trauma. Despite their plight, there are no therapists on hand to offer a listening ear and help them navigate and heal from their traumatic experiences.
Drawn by the innate desire to aid in the forgotten corners of society, volunteers and doctors from the courageous organization, FRIDA, dedicate their time and weekends to offering assistance. These selfless medical professionals embark on humanitarian missions in recently liberated regions, such as Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Kherson. Their lifeline: the little ones who often get lost amidst the chaos and noise of the world.
But like Alisa, many of these children continue to carry the weight of their past, longing for a sense of normalcy. A bittersweet reminder of what once was – their homes, families, and the innocence that was stolen from them.
Fear still clutches at their hearts every day as they dream of a night free from the echo of missile strikes. Are they safe here in Domboky? No, they may be far removed from the war's frontlines, but their plight - their cries for help - remain unanswered.
Despite the lack of resources and medical aid, FRIDA presses on. Doctors and medical professionals band together in a dedicated effort to evaluate and treat the children, spending ample time with each patient, conducting complex dental procedures, and providing even a simple smile when needed.
In the orphanage classroom, doctors and volunteers have set up medicines, work utensils, toys, and sweets, aiming to bring some semblance of comfort to the children. With psychologist Nathalia (29), the children find solace in drawing, telling tales of their cherished items, and sharing their fears.
Oksana (52), a pediatrician, has dedicated her life to working with Ukrainian orphanages since 2008, and since last year, as volunteer with FRIDA. To her, the key to working with these children lies in finding a shared language, showing empathy, and understanding the needs that are not always obvious.
These children, now living a stark existence, represent the horror of a war that took everything – their families, their homes, their childhood. Thousands of miles away, a group of individuals eager to make a difference continues to offer support, dedicating their weekends, vacation days, and personal time.
But the clock is ticking. FRIDA requires help to maintain its mission. Donations enable this international network of medical personnel to provide shelter and sustenance in crisis regions, allowing them to help children like Alisa and her siblings far and wide.
Mark Nevy, chairman of FRIDA, comfortably based in Kiev, shares an urgent message for all who care. More resources are needed. Medical equipment, medication, fuel for ambulances, and the countless other logistical necessities cost substantial amounts that must be provided to reach more children throughout Ukraine.
United as we are by a shared heart, the strife in Ukraine continues to plague thousands of innocent lives. With an urgent call for help, the courageous doctors and volunteers of FRIDA remain steadfast in their resolve to aid the children seeking solace in their tireless efforts.
For more information on organizations offering medical and psychological support to displaced children and families in Ukraine, consider reaching out to the following resources:
- Ukraine Children's Action Project (UCAP)
- UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)
- Helvetas
- War Child UK
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