Vacationing Ukrainian orphans temporarily escape the sounds of war in Portugal
In August 2025, a heartwarming project titled "Children of Heroes – Warmed by Sun and Love" will welcome sixteen Ukrainian children aged 2 to 16 who have lost their fathers in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This 10-day holiday in Portugal, running from August 11 to August 21, is an initiative by the Association of Ukrainians in Portugal, the Association of Ukrainian Women in Portugal, and the Benfica Parish Council, with logistical and financial support from Arquiconsult[1].
Accompanied by their mothers, who are widows of Ukrainian soldiers, and a volunteer doctor, these children will embark on a journey of discovery and healing. The itinerary includes visits to cultural and tourist destinations, aiming to provide a much-needed break from the harsh realities of war.
The children's holiday itinerary includes visits to the Oceanário de Lisboa, where they will immerse themselves in the wonders of marine life. Following this, they will explore the Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Science Pavilion), igniting their curiosity and sparking their imagination. The adventure continues with a safari at Badoca, offering a unique encounter with exotic animals.
The children will also visit historical and religious sites, such as Fátima, a major Catholic pilgrimage site, and Coimbra, a city rich in history and culture. The medieval town of Óbidos, with its picturesque streets and castle, is another destination on the itinerary.
In addition to these excursions, the project features "leisure moments" in Lisbon, providing a respite from the war environment for the children and their families. This is the first edition of the project, and it is planned to be an annual event, offering a chance for different families each year to experience the warmth and hospitality of Portugal[1].
The children and their mothers hail from the region of Sumy in southern Ukraine, a border zone heavily affected by the ongoing war. All the fathers of these children are military personnel from the Ukrainian army who were killed during the conflict.
This project has the support of the Junta de Freguesia de Benfica in Lisbon, as well as various locations in Portugal, making it a truly nationwide endeavour. The project is promoted by several associations supporting Ukrainians, offering a beacon of hope for these children who have lived through war as their only reality.
[1] Source: Association of Ukrainians in Portugal, Association of Ukrainian Women in Portugal, Benfica Parish Council, and Arquiconsult.
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