How an ordinary school project turned into a large-scale fundraising campaign, helped raise money for specialist equipment for a child with a disability, and taught teenagers to use their greatest superpower — kindness.
In the ‘Open Hearts’ section, we usually tell the stories of those who help others. But this story is about how helping others changes the helpers themselves. Pupils from Class 8-C at the Liko-School in Kyiv have shown that today’s teenagers are a generation of action, capable of deep empathy and a systematic approach to doing good.
From theory to hot pancakes
It all began with a school curriculum. The school runs ‘Project Hours’, and this time the theme was ‘Social Projects’. The task was no easy feat: to identify a real-world problem in society and propose a solution.
When the pupils from Class 8-C learnt about the work of our charity, they carried out a proper needs assessment. It turned out that, apart from funds, there is a critical shortage of specific items: large-size nappies (sizes 6–7) and specialised baby food.
We didn’t just want to collect money from our parents. We wanted to feel that this result was down to our own efforts, the pupils explain.
The school corridors were transformed into a charity hub. The boys made a wooden donation box with their own hands, whilst the girls organised a food fair. The aroma of homemade biscuits and pancakes, which the children baked right there at school, brought everyone together — from Year 1 pupils to teachers.
A lesson where life was the teacher
The highlight was a meeting with the foundation’s director, Natalia Kiselova, whom the pupils had invited to the school to meet her and hand over the donations in person. It wasn’t a formal lecture — it was a heartfelt conversation about the lives of children with cerebral palsy and orphans supported by the foundation.
When I walked into the classroom, I saw openness and a willingness to engage in dialogue. However, the conversation about the real challenges our children face changed the mood: a deep understanding of the value of their help appeared in the teenagers’ eyes. Every pack of nappies, every jar of baby food and every pack of stationery collected by the children is vital support for low-income families raising children with disabilities.Natalia Kiselova
In addition to providing practical assistance, the children raised funds during the fair. These 10,800 hryvnias made a significant contribution to the urgent fundraising drive for a special rehabilitation chair for the foundation’s beneficiary — Mohamed Bouali, a participant in the ‘Happiness for Every Family’ project. Special equipment for children with disabilities is an extremely pressing and costly need, which literally changes a child’s quality of life every day and provides significant support to parents in caring for a seriously ill child. The children understood the main thing: their biscuits and videos gave Mohamed a real chance at a more comfortable everyday life.I am still deeply moved by this meeting. The children’s sincerity and their deep, thoughtful questions truly touched my heart. Looking at them, I felt a sense of pride: we are raising an incredible generation — one that is compassionate, conscious and genuine. This is one of those moments that gives the foundation’s team the strength to keep going and believe even more in the power of kindness.Natalia Kiselova
A Symbol of Light: Dobryk is now at school
After a month of hard work, the Class 8-C project has yielded incredible results:
• Targeted support: Nappies, hygiene products and food have been purchased and distributed to families facing difficult circumstances.
• Contribution to the future: 10,800 UAH has been allocated for specialist equipment for Mohamed Buali.
• Most importantly: The pupils’ realisation that they are a brilliant team, capable of acting like adults.
As a token of gratitude, the foundation presented the school with a special gift — Dobryk.
Dobryk is the symbol of our foundation, created by the ‘Children for Children’ team. This firefly embodies the warmth, hope and support we bring to those in our care every day. He has now taken up residence at Liko-School as a symbol that the light we give to others always comes back to us.
Why are we writing about this?
We are convinced that a culture of charity begins not with large corporate cheques, but with school initiatives such as this. It is here that the leaders of the future are forged, for whom helping others is not a duty, but a true superpower. As the school noted: ‘It is impossible to nurture the intellect without nurturing the heart.’
The team at the ‘KIDS TO KIDS’ Foundation would like to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who has joined in this noble cause:
- To the pupils of Class 8-C — for your open hearts, energy and concern for the welfare of other children. You are incredible!
- To the pupils’ parents — for instilling true humanity and supporting your children’s endeavours.
- To Ms Maria Iskamova, English teacher — for your professional communication, organisation of the meeting and belief in this project.
- To Ms Lyudmila Khorolska, form tutor of Class 8-C — for coordinating and providing heartfelt support to your wonderful class.
- To the management of Liko-School — for implementing community initiatives, fostering a culture of charity within the educational process, and creating a space where conscientious citizens can thrive.
Together we make the world a better place!
With best wishes,
The ‘KIDS TO KIDS’ Charitable Foundation team
Author of the article
Olena Momot