Ukrainian War Orphans: The Struggles of Children Left Behind

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has left a devastating impact on countless families, particularly children who have lost their parents. One poignant story is that of a 13-year-old girl named Anna from Odessa, who lost both her parents during a missile attack in July 2022. This tragedy has resulted not only in her being orphaned but has also burdened her with feelings of guilt for surviving when her parents did not.

Anna recalls how, during the attack, her parents had tried to protect her by bringing her to a safe area in their home. Tragically, they returned to the living room to gather important documents, only for a missile to strike, taking their lives. Despite her initial feelings of guilt, Anna has come to a realization that the true responsibility lies with the aggressors who launched the attack.

Currently living at a facility near Kyiv known as 'Seven Fields,' which was once a private school, Anna and other children like her find refuge and support. The establishment was repurposed by Oksana Volzhyna, a psychologist who initially opened the school for affluent families but shifted her focus to help war orphans and displaced children following the Russian invasion.

'Seven Fields' serves as a sanctuary for approximately 40 children, aged six to 14, who have faced unimaginable trauma due to the ongoing war. The center provides not just shelter and education but also psychological support. Each child's story is unique yet shares the common thread of loss and resilience. For instance, Oleksi, a nine-year-old boy, lost his father, a soldier, to shrapnel during combat, while 13-year-old Amelia has experienced the dual tragedy of losing both her father and stepfather.

According to SOS Children's Villages Ukraine, about 17,000 children have become orphans since the conflict began. The organization emphasizes that these years of war have been filled with fear, loss, and uncertainty for countless families. UNICEF has also highlighted the dire circumstances faced by children, noting that an average of 16 children are killed or injured weekly due to the conflict, with millions living in a constant state of fear.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Oksana Volzhyna and her team strive to create a nurturing environment at 'Seven Fields.' They focus on providing stability and normalcy, allowing children to engage in activities typical of childhood--a stark contrast to their harsh realities. The facility, surrounded by fields, is designed to foster a sense of community among the children, who share similar experiences of loss.

Volzhyna has transformed the school into a haven, where children can attend classes and receive counseling from trained professionals. She emphasizes the importance of rebuilding their lives, stating that while their past cannot be changed, they can offer emotional support to help them move forward. Many children who come to 'Seven Fields' have faced significant educational disruptions due to the war and pandemic, often lacking basic schooling experiences.

The facility boasts various amenities, including classrooms equipped with musical instruments and computers, as well as recreational spaces like a volleyball court and playground. These features aim to create a sense of normalcy and joy in the children's lives, helping them heal and regain their childhood.

Volzhyna's own background adds a layer of complexity to her commitment. Originally from Russia, she moved to Ukraine 18 years ago and has distanced herself from her family due to their support for the war. Her dedication to helping Ukrainian children stems from a deep understanding of their plight and the desire to provide them with a safe and loving environment.

As the conflict continues, the stories of children like Anna serve as a stark reminder of the war's human cost. 'Seven Fields' stands as a testament to resilience, love, and the enduring hope for a brighter future for Ukraine's youngest victims.