Opening of the House of St. Joseph for a child and adolescent psychological support programs in Kharkiv region

“Instead of school bells, we hear air raid sirens; instead of playing outside, we spend our days in shelters. We are deprived of live communication, we lack a space where we can open up, talk to our classmates, and feel like children. That’s why this House was created — a space where everyone can feel like a wanted and cherished child,” — Liza, 12 years old.

On May 25 in the Kharkiv region, the House of St. Joseph was opened for a child and adolescent psychological support program.

In 2023, the house was purchased, and renovation work began thanks to co-financing from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and Caritas Slovenia. During the reconstruction period, the house already hosted children’s camps and became a refuge for people forced to flee their homes.

We were honored by the presence of Edvin Skrt, Director-General of the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, and Mateja Prevolšek, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Slovenia to Ukraine, as well as representatives of the city and town councils.

“Slovenia is a country that doesn’t need much explanation: about what we are defending, about our resilience, about what our needs are. Because the Slovenian people are very close to us in heart. Although Slovenia is small on the map, its great heart reaches far beyond its borders,” — said Father Vyacheslav Grynevych SAC CEO.

The day began with a Holy Mass, and after the official ceremony, Bishop Pavlo blessed the House, and Mr. Edvin Skrt, the Ambassador, and little Liza cut the ribbon.

“We would like to see similar projects in other parts of Ukraine, especially those close to the front line. Caritas-Spes, together with its partners and Caritas Slovenia, has done an extraordinary job here in the Kharkiv region. And we will do everything possible to support similar projects in the future,” — said Mr. Edvin Skrt.

“In my opinion, the demining support provided by Slovenia is extremely important, as is psychosocial support for children and also for teachers — to teach them how to work during such difficult times in Ukraine. Psychosocial support for children is crucial, because children are our future. If we teach them well, we will have a better future,” — summarized Ambassador Mateja Prevolšek regarding Slovenia’s support.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of project manager Mira Milavec and the Kharkiv Caritas-Spes team, the opening of the House of St. Joseph became possible.

We are sincerely grateful to all our partners and the Caritas-Spes Kharkiv team for helping to open such a wonderful House. We believe it will help restore happy childhoods and psychological balance for children and adults in the Kharkiv region.