Foreigners help Ukrainian children

5th of December the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development is celebrated. This day was established 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly as a symbol of gratitude to people, who made a valuable free contribution to the economic and social progress of many countries, informs internet site NGO.donetsk.ua. http://ngo.donetsk.ua/donsociety/11993.

Volunteers, which work is absolutely free and doesn’t need to be paid, are represented in every country and help to fulfill many important social and economic goals.

Devoted Volunteer Day on the 4th of December in the regional library was organized promo action concerning the work of volunteers in Ukraine. It was conducted by two volunteers, who came to Ukraine – by Yolanda Timmers (Netherlands) and Sophie Leduk (France).

Yolanda Timmers 206 received the degree of bachelor by profession Social help. She works with people with addicted people (drugs, alcohol, gambling). After finishing study she was working as volunteer with street children in India. 2008 she went for 6 month to Vietnam to teach English to orphans. 6 weeks ago she came to Ukraine as volunteer. She is busy with human rights and with voluntary work propaganda.

Sophie Leduk comes from France. Since 2006 she is graduated lawyer. Not long ago she leaved her job to make training in Burkina Faso. She was working there with HIV. In Ukraine she is also busy with human rights and with voluntary work propaganda.

On the meeting Sophie and Yolanda told about the voluntary work and illustrated the narration with examples from their personal experience. Visitors learned, how to become volunteer and met some organizations from Donetsk and Donetsk regional, which enlist volunteers.


Among them:

“RADUGA” (Rus. – rainbow) – rehabilitation center for disabled persons (autism, brainparalisys, etc.) Center ensures every day exercises (sport, creation) and works as communication center for disabled children and youth.

“GOROD SOLNCA“ (“Sun city”) – alternative youth centre, NGO which helps street children in Donetsk and grants social help to crisis families. Children can come to the day centre and be busy with sport, music, theatre, games etc. The house also works as hostel for homeless children and youth.

“M.ART.IN-club” – NGO which mission is children rights protection. Organization keeps private orphanage, grants juristic help.