“From a dream to our own children’s centre” — the story of Hanna, a participant in the Reboot programme

Due to the full-scale war, Hanna and her family were forced to leave their native Kherson and relocate to Mykolaiv. Despite the many challenges of resettling and adapting to a new environment, she never gave up on her dream of creating a space dedicated to children’s development.

With many years of experience working with children and a genuine desire to help, Hanna decided to establish a children’s centre. She learned about the “Reboot: Expanding Employment Opportunities” programme, implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross in the Mykolaiv region with support from the Spanish Red Cross and the Danish Red Cross. The programme provides microgrants to help people from vulnerable groups start or develop their own businesses.

Hanna prepared a business plan, submitted an application, passed the competitive selection process, and became one of the programme’s winners. With the funding she received, she opened a centre where children can not only learn and grow, but also feel safe, make friends, and take care of their emotional wellbeing.

Today, the centre is successfully operating in Mykolaiv, bringing together children, parents, and teachers in a warm, supportive community.