On February 11, Hanna Khomenko, Director of the Children of Heroes Charity Fund, participated in the Rivne Unity dialogue platform, which became an important step in strengthening collaboration between government bodies, civil society, and veteran communities. The event, initiated by the Department of Veteran Policy of the Rivne Regional Military Administration, aimed at coordinating efforts to more effectively support the families of fallen Ukrainian Defenders, veterans, and military personnel.
This time, the dialog platform was devoted to the challenging issues faced by the families of missing persons in special circumstances. The event also presented ways to resolve the issues raised by the Defenders’ families during the meetings held in the Rivne region earlier.
Oleksandr Koval, Head of Rivne Regional Military Administration, emphasized: “This dialogue platform was created in the region to establish effective cooperation between various structures dealing with veterans’ issues. The idea for this format arose after we talked to the military and their families in the communities. Today’s meeting was dedicated to missing defenders. Together with the organizations that participated in Rivne Unity, we signed a memorandum. This document will be open for signing by others. I am convinced that it will not be just an intention to cooperate but will consolidate all parts of the veteran policy in the region. We need to make the system more coherent. So that the family of a missing person is not left alone, so that they understand who to contact, who to ask about the search, where to take tests, or what documents are needed. We will hold such meetings every month. The next one will be dedicated to the problems of wounded soldiers and their transition to civilian life.”
The Children of Heroes CF presented its areas of activity and shared its experience in assisting the families of fallen soldiers in the Rivne region. As of February, 634 children from Rivne Oblast are under the Fund’s care. Most of them lost their father or stepfather, and 97% of the deceased were servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine or Territorial Defense fighters.
In total, 59 families with one of the parents missing are under the care of the Fund. But recently, the number of children where one of the parents is missing has been increasing. That is why it is important for the Fund to be present at the event and to be aware of the requests of the families of missing persons, to know and understand how we can help them or which of our partners will be able to answer the families’ questions.
“Each number behind these dry statistics represents a unique child’s story filled with pain and loss. Their parents gave their lives for our freedom, and now it is our task to support these children and allow them to get an education, develop, and build a happy future. That is why we are making every effort to create suitable conditions for them and engage as many partners as possible in this important mission,” said Hanna Khomenko, Director of the Children of Heroes Charity Fund.
Special attention was given to collaboration with the Rivne Regional Military Administration and local structures working in social protection, as well as the importance of systematic support for children from large families and those with internally displaced status.
A key outcome of the event was the signing of a memorandum of cooperation, uniting the efforts of the participants to improve social support for military families and family members of missing persons, family members of deceased defenders of Ukraine. Thanks to this partnership, plans are in place to reduce bureaucratic barriers and create more effective assistance mechanisms.
Additionally, the Children of Heroes CF signed a memorandum with the Veterans Policy Department of the Rivne Regional Military Administration, which will contribute to a more systematic approach to supporting children of fallen soldiers and family members of missing persons, family members of deceased defenders of Ukraine and strengthen coordination between government bodies and the civil sector.
