World Jewish News

Summer Vacation for Ukraine’s Disadvantaged Families

Over 25 families from LifeChanger FSU, a rehabilitation and social support project in Ukraine, participated last month in a summer camp program organized especially for them at FJC’s Alumim complex near Zhitomir. LifeChanger helps disadvantaged Jewish children and families relaunch their lives with positive change, and the camp was part of their larger rehabilitation plan.

This year the camp was based around the theme of IT and cyber-security, relevant to many older children and their mothers. “Being educated about the internet and what its advantages and dangers are is very important today, when our children are growing up surrounded by gadgets and information technology,’ said Chani Matzkevich, LifeChanger FSU coordinator in Zhitomir. “We thoroughly reviewed the topic.”

The campers studied IT topics from many different angles: children discussed its qualities from the view of Jewish tradition, and how technology can be used to play a positive role in one’s education; mothers met with psychologists, who explained the right way to not allow something to a child; younger campers enjoyed art and sand therapy.

All participation was free of charge and to all of the families, the camp provided a much-needed opportunity for mother-child quality time, when they could relax, enjoy and learn together in a secure and friendly environment. The camp program was developed by LifeChanger FSU staff together with the team from Alumim school & children’s’ home.

“Currently, there are 256 children in the LifeChanger FSU project. 37 more are joining the project in the coming months. We are now present in 11 regions in Ukraine and we are working on expanding to four more towards the end of 2017,’ said Irina Chernobryvetz, LifeChanger FSU director. “During the summer, we try hard to not leave anybody out and provide an opportunity for a restful vacation to all our participants. It is very important for parents and children to have an opportunity to spend quality time together – something that disadvantaged families in Ukraine rarely get.”

LifeChanger FSU was launched in September 2015 in an effort to combat the rise of distress and poverty among Ukraine’s most vulnerable populations. It is supported by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) headed by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, donors from across the globe and also partners with local funds and charities to secure multi-faceted support for the participating families.

FJC.ru