A safe place to learn

In Kovel, northwestern Ukraine, Mission Without Borders partners with Life Church to run an after-school club twice a week for children and teenagers living in poverty. Many of these children face challenging home lives, low-quality schooling, and discrimination, which affect their ability to learn and develop socially and emotionally.

Alisa, a volunteer at the club, explains:

Transforming challenges into growth

Ten-year-old Vlad is one child whose life was at risk of stagnating. With little support at home and a challenging family environment, he was disengaged from learning and struggled to keep up at school.

Vlad spent most of his time alone at home, with no one to help or listen to him.

Vlad shared that at the after-school program, he has friends, enjoys fun activities and Bible lessons, and is supported by caring leaders like Alisa. He has learned to read, write, and interact with other children, and he is even looking forward to the summer camp.

Personalized care and mentorship

Alisa, who attended the centre as a child, now volunteers to support the next generation:

“I remember sitting here shyly, feeling embarrassed, and struggling with schoolwork. The centre helped me grow spiritually, emotionally, and academically. Now I can give that same support to the children.”

She emphasizes the importance of individualized attention, explaining that children are never scolded or made to feel bad. When they make mistakes, the leaders guide them patiently.

Through this supportive approach, children grow both emotionally and spiritually, becoming capable of learning.