We fought for this place until the very end. Despite dozens of submitted applications and many conversations with offices, institutions, and allies, we were unable to secure stable funding. At the end of February, we said goodbye to the last Ocalenie day care center, operating in the Local Activity Site (MAL) in Warsaw’s Ochota district.
Each month, approximately 30 children with refugee experience – including those from Ukraine, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Chechnya – found educational support and a safe space for play, development, and sharing their difficulties here.
This is a difficult moment for us because we know how vital this activity was. We would like to thank MAL Grójecka 109 and the Ochota Cultural Center – thanks to your hospitality, we were able to operate effectively and steadily. In the photos, you can see our last day together: bowling, pizza, cooking together, and emotional goodbyes.
WE ARE CARRYING ON, BUT WE NEED YOU!
The closure of the day care center is, of course, not the end of our support for children with refugee experience. As part of the Knowledge to the Max tutoring program, one hundred children per year receive educational and developmental assistance. We also provide entire families with psychological and psychiatric care, as well as comprehensive support at our Help Center for Foreigners. Every child from the day care center will still receive help from us – whenever they need it.
However, long-term activities for the youngest are not possible without the regular involvement of donors. If you do not support us regularly yet, this is the moment when a lot depends on you!
📣 Even small amounts, donated regularly, allow us to continue our work. For the children, for refugee families, for a safe and harmonious future for us all.
photo by Damian Lemański, Diana Puchalska
