Olena Zelenska and Emine Erdogan visited an orphanage in Ankara, where orphans evacuated from Odesa were accommodated

The war forced thousands of Ukrainian children to leave their homes and seek a safe haven abroad. Especially vulnerable among them are orphans and children with disabilities, who need not only housing, but also medical, psychological and social support. Turkey became one of the countries that extended a helping hand, providing Ukrainian children with the necessary care and attention.

On February 18, the first ladies of Ukraine and Turkey, Olena Zelenska and Emine Erdogan, visited in Ankara, a children’s home where children of the Odesa Specialized Psychoneurological Children’s Home No. 3 “Sonechko” live. These are disabled orphans who were evacuated at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Evacuation and a new home in Turkey

From the first days of the war, the Ukrainian authorities and international partners faced an extremely important task – to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable children. 34 pupils of the “Sonechko” children’s home were evacuated to Turkey thanks to the joint efforts of Ukraine and Turkey.

A new orphanage – Eryaman Çocuk Evi – was specially created for these children in Ankara. It is fully adapted for children with special needs and has all the necessary conditions for a comfortable life, learning and development.

The orphanage is equipped with:

• modern classrooms, where children receive the necessary knowledge and undergo remedial training;
• cozy bedrooms adapted to the needs of children with disabilities;
• a medical center that provides ongoing rehabilitation and treatment;
• specialized care programs that help children adapt to a new environment and get a chance for a better life.

The Turkish side took over all the costs of maintaining the children, providing not only shelter, but also the necessary comprehensive care.

The fate of children and the process of returning to Ukraine

During the children’s stay in Turkey, Ukrainian social services found guardians for 24 pupils. They have already returned to the Motherland and started a new life in their families.

However, 10 more children remain under the care of the Turkish side, and they were visited by Olena Zelenska and Emine Erdogan.

“Some of the children are undergoing a course of treatment, and some have even undergone the necessary operations, which give them a chance to improve their lives and development.” – said Olena Zelenska.

High-quality medical and rehabilitation assistance is organized for children who continue to live in Turkey. Many of them have serious health disorders, so they receive specialized care, which would be difficult for them to receive in the conditions of war in Ukraine.

Thanks to Turkey for the support

Olena Zelenska expressed deep gratitude to Turkey and personally to First Lady Emina Erdogan for the assistance provided to Ukrainian children.

“This is real effective help that saves lives and gives children an opportunity for the future.” – emphasized Zelenska.

Support from international partners is extremely important in wartime. Turkey has become one of those countries that not only opened borders for Ukrainian children, but also created conditions for them that provide full care and opportunities for development.

The importance of international support for children of war

This story is just one example of how international cooperation helps Ukrainian children left without parental care and without a home. Thanks to humanitarian aid, the efforts of governments and social services, many orphans not only get a roof over their heads, but also the opportunity to receive proper care, education and a chance for a happy childhood.

Despite the challenges of war, it is important that these children are supported and cared for not only during evacuation, but also in the long term. Integration, rehabilitation and socialization of orphans is one of the key issues that requires constant attention of both the Ukrainian authorities and the international community.

The aid provided by Turkey has become an example of an effective humanitarian mission that can inspire other countries to support children affected by war.