Finding Strength in Roots: Supporting Young Ukrainians Through Culture and Community
Olena Nizalova is raising money for Canterbury for Ukraine
Story
The war in Ukraine has uprooted countless families, forcing children and young people to flee their homes and leave behind friends, schools, and the familiar comfort of their culture. The Canterbury for Ukraine Young Ukrainians Hub (C4U YoU-Hub) has become a lifeline in East Kent—a safe and empowering space where these children can reconnect with their heritage, rebuild confidence, and find healing through shared experiences.
Our mission is to help young Ukrainians preserve and develop their cultural and language identity. This is essential not only for processing trauma and rebuilding a sense of belonging but also for preparing them for their eventual return to Ukraine. Most Ukrainian families in the UK are on temporary visas, and ensuring their children stay connected with their language, history, and traditions is vital for their reintegration.
My son Max, who is 13, really looks forward to each of the You-Hub days, because he gets to spend time with his Ukrainian friends, but also in a fun way, he learns about Ukrainian history, culture, music and even folk dancing. Recently, You-Hub has put together a Malanka winter mystery play and Max loved acting and singing at the event, it brought the whole Ukrainian community together. (Anna Y.)
Currently, we face a funding gap. To sustain our vital programmes over the next 3 months, we need to raise £5,000. Your support will ensure these children and teens have access to the resources and opportunities they need to heal, grow, and prepare for the future return to Ukraine.
Why Your Support Matters:
- Cultural Healing and Preparation for the Future: Staying connected to Ukrainian traditions helps children process their experiences, find strength in their heritage, and prepare for reintegration into Ukrainian society.
- Community Building: The Hub fosters friendships and teamwork, creating stability and support during this challenging time.
- Addressing Language and Literacy Challenges: For children who do not yet speak or write Ukrainian fluently, the Hub offers a supportive environment to develop these essential skills, ensuring they remain connected to their culture.
- Future Empowerment: Life skills and workshops equip participants to navigate their temporary realities while staying rooted in their heritage. Teen volunteers aged 15-17 gain valuable skills for their future.
- Supporting Women Leaders: Our sessions empower Ukrainian refugee women by allowing them to lead activities, gain confidence, and secure recommendations for jobs and developing skills that can be useful for rebuilding efforts in Ukraine.
How Your Contribution Helps:
£5: Provides materials and snacks for one child per session.
£10: Covers half the full cost of one session for a child.
£20: Fully covers the cost of one session for a child.
£60: Provides compensation for one activity leader per session (total need is 5 activity leaders per session).
Without grant funding, your contributions are critical to keeping the Hub’s programmes running. Every pound you give helps build a brighter future for young Ukrainians, ensuring they can heal, stay connected to their roots, and prepare for their futures.
Together, we can help these children and their families heal, grow, and thrive. Thank you for standing with us. 💙💛
