Creating a Safe and Cozy Place for Children in Need of Special Care
Published: Apr 9, 2025 Reading time: 2 minutes Share: Share an articleRussia’s war against Ukraine has taken a heavy toll on the most vulnerable—children who were already living without parental care. Among them are seriously ill children who must fight for their lives every day, often without the warmth of a family. While we cannot replace the love of parents, we can provide comfort, safety, and dignity.
At the Kryvyi Rih Centre for Medical Rehabilitation and Palliative Care for Children, this mission is more critical than ever. The center currently lacks a proper shelter—vital in a city under constant threat from rockets and drones. Thanks to the support of the Czech people and private donor Ivo Lukáčovič, as well as our partner Première Urgence Internationale, this is changing.
This photo story captures life inside the center—both the daily challenges and the remarkable resilience.
A staff member feeds one of the youngest children at the center.
The Kryvyi Rih Centre currently cares for 68 children, the youngest just one month old. Each child here requires round-the-clock medical attention and, just as importantly, human touch and care.
Medical professionals work tirelessly to monitor and support each child’s health needs.
This institution is not just a shelter, but a lifeline for many children with severe illnesses and disabilities.
A caregiver speaks softly with a child, offering the warmth every child deserves.
While clinical expertise is crucial, emotional connection is what these children crave most. Love, more than medicine, heals in its own quiet way.
Our colleague is visiting the center and seeing the ongoing renovation work, guided by the center’s director.
People in Need is leading the transformation of the center’s shelter and adjacent spaces—making them accessible, comfortable, and safe for children with disabilities.
Workers carefully unload mobile beds adapted for children with special needs.
These are more than beds—this is about dignity and care, delivered with support from Première Urgence Internationale.
15 special beds and orthopedic mattresses are now in place, offering the support these children need.
With the help of international partners, the quality of care continues to improve.
Olena Matvieienko, director of the center, oversees daily operations and future planning.
Her commitment is evident not just in words, but in every thoughtful decision made for the center’s children.
106 dedicated employees care for the children—each trained and deeply compassionate.
No institution can ever replace a family, but the staff here comes as close as possible, day after day.
These images are a window into a world where vulnerability meets resilience. The Kryvyi Rih Centre is not just a medical facility—it is a sanctuary for children who have already suffered too much. With continued support, we can give them not only care, but comfort. Not only shelter, but safety. Not only survival, but hope.
