For children, the start of the school year is normally a time of joy, enthusiasm and anticipation. They would eagerly meet their classmates and teachers, sharing exciting stories about the summer holidays. Due to the war in Ukraine, however, millions of Ukrainian children started the new school year away from their homes, with no bright summer days to remember and no cheerful leisurely moments with their families.  

Since the start of the war, thousands of Ukrainian children have entered Bulgaria. According to the latest official data, more than 52 000 children who fled Ukraine have been granted temporary protection in Bulgaria and many of them are currently still on the territory of the country. Many of these children are of school age.  

Understanding how important education is and how vital it is for children to keep developing and building social skills, IOM Bulgaria has been actively supporting the integration of Ukrainian children in the Bulgarian education system. As part of our Ukraine Response activities, our IOM team has been providing free information sessions, administrative, social assistance to the parents.  

It goes without saying that the financial situation of many Ukrainian parents is worrying, to say the least, and affording simple goods has turned into a challenge. Hence, with the support of UK Aid Direct, funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, IOM Bulgaria started the distribution of school supplies kits to children who fled the war in Ukraine. We will continue doing our best to help both children and parents feel supported and cared for in this time of uncertainty and unrest. 

These activities were funded with UK aid from the British people