Breath builds care centre for war children in Eastern Ukraine

Breath Care for Kids has acquired a plot of land in Eastern Ukraine to create a care centre for children who have suffered heavily from the war. The project is starting with the renovation of an unfinished hotel building on the site. The project will be named "Breath Village of Hope".

The centre will be a safe place where children and their families can catch their breath, rest and recover from their traumas. In the village the families will find the necessary support in their recovery. There will be spaces for education, play, therapy and family care.

The initial focus will be on traumatised children and their families of slain or wounded military. The two-floor building will offer reception rooms, family accommodations, school rooms and therapy rooms. Surrounding the building we will create spaces for sports, play and cultural activities. The Breath Village of Hope will be outfitted with a sustainable energy facility as the country's energy supply is unreliable due to the persistent attacks on the national grid.

Co-operation with local schools, (child) psychologists, social organisations and governments is essential. Children can catch their breath, receive education and slowly work on rebuilding trust in their futures. All with the support of a team of experts. 

the first phase of the project is about to kick off as we have an agreement on the purchase of the plot of land. The renovation of the building, construction of infrastructure and the forming of a local construction team have all commenced. The project is supported from The Netherlands by a working group with expertise in various related fields. Breath Care for Kids has been operating in Eastern Ukraine since 2006 and works closely with sister organisation New Breath Ukraine and various local partners.

The support and commitment of Evgeniy Levchenko, Breath board member and ambassador and born in Eastern Ukraine, underlines the urgency and impact of this new project.