Completion of Restoration Works at the Destroyed “Veselka” Kindergarten in Hostomel

Representatives of Caritas-Spes Ukraine visited the Veselka kindergarten in Hostomel, which was destroyed during the occupation of the town at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Many donors contributed to the restoration of the childcare facility. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, through Caritas-Spes Ukraine, equipped the playground and purchased furniture. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Croatia to Ukraine, Anica Djamić, explained how this kindergarten was selected:

"The Republic of Croatia, through UNICEF, delivered 30 large generators. One of them was located nearby — on the territory of the partially destroyed kindergarten in Hostomel — and supplied electricity to the entire district. During the inspection of the generator, as part of preparations for the visit of the Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, we were welcomed at the kindergarten. They showed us the premises and asked for help, and we decided to donate funds for its reconstruction. And we also invited Caritas-Spes to become our implementing partner!"

Kateryna Iliushyna, the project coordinator from Caritas-Spes Ukraine, emphasized the importance of such initiatives:

"A shell struck the grounds of the Veselka kindergarten, causing severe damage to the building and surrounding area. The facility could no longer be used without major restoration work. Projects aimed at strengthening and restoring Ukraine’s social infrastructure are of strategic importance, as they represent a long-term investment in the well-being and future of our country—especially when it concerns children."

The kindergarten will be put into operation after all restoration works and the construction of a shelter are completed. Vladyslav Kozyr, Head of the Education Department of the Hostomel Settlement Council, assured that every effort is being made to ensure that children can return to the renewed facility as soon as possible.

Vladyslav Kozyr also emphasized:

"Cooperation with the Embassy of Croatia has been extremely productive. We felt sincere support and partnership. Thanks to the assistance of the charitable foundation, with the involvement of the Croatian side, we were able to equip the playground and provide the institution with the necessary furniture. This is a real and tangible contribution to the development of our community."

We are deeply grateful to the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia and personally to Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ms. Anica Djamić for their support in the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine, as well as for investing in the future of Ukrainian children.