At FranKolo, children thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment where they explore their passions and develop vital life skills, despite the looming threat of war. Since its launch in April 2022, the project has touched the lives of over 1000 children who sought refuge in the free clubs during their time in Ivano-Frankivsk. Today, we want to share with you the incredible impact FranKolo has made over the past year and Nova Ukraine’s support in their mission.
A Promise of Change:
For many children, especially those studying online because of the war, FranKolo provided a unique opportunity for real-time interaction with peers and a chance to indulge in their favorite activities. The clubs served as a haven, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the participants. However, as the year progressed, the funding reached its limit, and the project would terminate by the end of January.
February 1st was momentous as the FranKolo project channel announced an extension of three months, thanks to the support of Nova Ukraine. The overwhelming flood of joy and gratitude the organizers received from the Frankivsk community reaffirmed the significance of this work. On that very day, the children returned to their beloved clubs, eager to resume their journey of growth and exploration.
Support and Community:
Over the course of three months, 283 children participated in 11 clubs, each forming a tight-knit community of young learners. Among them, 167 came from occupied, deoccupied, and near-frontline territories, such as Mariupol, Melitopol, Berdiansk, Vuhledar, Rubizhne, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Kharkiv, Irpin, Kramatorsk, Izium, and others. The project brought support and inspiration to those most affected by war. Additionally, FranKolo welcomed children from large families, single-parent households, and families impacted by war-related injuries, captivity, or loss – providing a safe space for all.
A World of Possibilities:
Within FranKolo’s community, children had the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of activities that sparked their curiosity and honed their skills. Guided by their dedicated instructors, children went on forest walks, exploring the nature of the Frankivsk region. Art meetings encouraged their creativity. Table tennis matches fueled friendly competition, while book meetings broadened their horizons. Children engaged in aerobics, taekwondo, sewing, knitting, programming, and electrical experiments. All these experiences empowered them to embrace their unique interests.
The children went beyond clubs, organizing a Social Fair in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where children sold the products they crafted during club sessions. They participated in a tennis competition. Additionally, on Earth Day, a forest walk led to a community-driven cleanup event in the beloved Vovchynetsky forest, showing their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Parental Feedback:
FranKolo values the input of the parents, and their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. In a recent survey, over 80% of parents praised the friendly atmosphere and the high-quality instruction provided by the project’s dedicated team. More than 60% appreciated the unique nature of the clubs, recognizing the value of the experiences for the children. Astonishingly, 85% expressed a desire for the project to continue into the next academic year. It is heartwarming to know that FranKolo’s efforts have touched so many lives of both children and their families.
Looking Ahead:
The continued success of the FranKolo project relies on sustainable funding and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the children they serve. While the journey has been both inspiring and challenging, FranKolo has managed to secure funding for the final month of the school year. They took this opportunity to analyze activities and develop a project model for the next academic year. The friendly atmosphere during the sessions is a determining factor that influences children’s desire to learn or engage in various activities.
Donate to Support Our Efforts
Nova Ukraine is proud to support FranKolo’s mission of supporting Ukrainian children to gain a deeper understanding of their interests, develop self-confidence, and unlock their full potential. Please donate today to support our efforts.
