Beyond Borders: How Help Us Help is Transforming the Lives of Ukrainian Youth

© Courtesy of Help Us Help the Children

Beyond Borders: How Help Us Help is Transforming the Lives of Ukrainian Youth

ZORIANA JACYLA

In 1994, Ruslana Wrzesnewskyj and her husband embarked on a mission that would change countless lives in Ukraine. Witnessing the heartbreaking conditions of orphanages during their adoption journey, they couldn't turn away. What began as a grassroots effort in their garage soon blossomed into Help Us Help the Children (HUHTC), an organization that has touched the lives of thousands of children and families across Ukraine.

Taisa Mysakowec, Senior Program Manager at Help Us Help, shared more about how the organization transforms the lives of vulnerable youth.

How has Help Us Help evolved over the years?

Taisa Mysakowec: Ruslana founded Help Us Help the Children (HUHTC) under the Children of Chornobyl Canadian Fund. In its first two years, HUHTC raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. Since then, Help Us Help has provided over $30 million in aid for humanitarian support, education, literacy, arts and culture, social work, civil society, and more, supporting thousands of children.

Following the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity (Euromaidan), Help Us Help expanded to include humanitarian support for conflict victims, raising awareness in Canada, and supporting Ukraine's democratic development. In 2020, the Temerty Foundation donated $10 million to establish the Temerty Endowment

Fund as part of the Silver Lining Campaign. This endowment supports humanitarian aid, antihuman trafficking initiatives, educational projects, mental health support, and life-skills workshops, mainly for children in Ukraine.

Help Us Help has so many incredible initiatives. How have they impacted the community?

TM: One impactful program is Help Us Help's summer and winter camps. The summer camp, started in 1996, addresses the lack of proper education and skills among children in orphanages, offering challenges and supportive life experiences that encourage self-growth and development. Beginning with 110 children, these camps have supported thousands over the years.

I remember one camper from my first year volunteering at the summer camp. At first, he was a shy and withdrawn child struggling with the trauma of his past.

After a few days at camp and understanding that it is a safe environment to be yourself and try new things, he started to come out of his shell. We watched him grow from a withdrawn child into a confident team player.

© Courtesy of Help Us Help the Children

Could you tell us more about Code for Ukraine and how it aims to benefit Ukrainian youth?

TM: The Code for Ukraine initiative, through its Code.X program, aims to impact Ukrainian youth by offering a 12-month pilot in Western Ukraine focused on technology and design education. It addresses gaps in coding and design education, particularly for students with little prior exposure. By providing insights into Silicon Valley and Western technological practices, the program equips students with contemporary skills and knowledge, including English language proficiency, vital for the global tech community.

Looking ahead, Help Us Help aspires to expand its outreach beyond borders, engaging more volunteers and partners globally to amplify its impact— and you can help!

Every contribution, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, is vital in empowering Ukrainian children and families. Additionally, staying informed about the ongoing challenges in Ukraine and advocating for the cause can amplify the organization's efforts and foster a global support network.

Learn more at helpushelp.charity