The Sheer Brutality of Russia's massive invasion of Ukraine is hard to even imagine - on a scale not seen in Europe since World War 2.
Ukraine's Ministry for Digital Transformation reports that as of July 2023 almost 3,500 schools have been damaged and 335 completely destroyed. Not to mention homes, hospitals, stores, shopping centers, recreation centers - all the infrastructure components kids need to grow up and live the kind of life we all wish for children everywhere.
Ukraine wants to not just rebuild, but to do it better - instead of the Soviet-style block buildings, construct schools that are multifaceted learning centers. It will be a big job but the post-war Ukraine will be united like never before to get it done - and we are fully committed to helping!
Let's be clear, no photo can express the loss Ukraine has had wrought upon her people. No photo completely represents the anguish of a young girl whose father was killed at the front, a boy who lost his mother, sister, and grandmother in a horrific shelling of an apartment building. Scenarios like those are realities for far too many kids.
Rebuilding their lives will take years and the loss will never fully heal.
We can do our part - helping to give them a school where they can feel safe, a playground to be a kid for awhile, support from far away that is heartfelt.
While tragedy and loss are the hallmarks of Russia's actions, the hope for the future is what is driving Ukraine to victory on the front. It's the same hope that will see the country rebuilt stronger, with the people looking to the future with anticipation - we can help!
