During a visit to Finland, the First Lady of Ukraine and the team of the Olena Zelenska Foundation met with local business leaders, philanthropists, and representatives of the cultural and educational communities.
The event, organized in Helsinki with the support of the international business consulting company Miltton Group, featured a presentation of the Foundation's main projects, with a focus on the expansion of the School of Superheroes. Finnish philanthropists will finance the creation of two new centers this year.
“All the Foundation’s projects are about children and for children. By protecting their rights to health, education, and development, we are protecting our future. We want to ensure that the war remains only an episode in their lives, not something that defines their future. I am sincerely grateful to hospitable Finland and its philanthropists for recognizing the importance of supporting the Foundation's initiatives focused on our children,” Olena Zelenska said.
The creation of new School of Superheroes centers will be possible thanks to the combined efforts of a group of Finnish and Finnish-affiliated private donors who raised the necessary amount in record time.
Kirsi Komi, one of the donors, emphasized the importance of this step: “This donation is a testament to the unwavering support that the Finnish people, business community, and non-governmental organizations have been providing to Ukraine since February 24, 2022, when Russia launched its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. These funds have been raised by a group of people who supported the humanity, dignity and power of education at a crucial moment in history.”
“Our partnership with the Olena Zelenska Foundation is an example of the important role we can play in bringing people together for a shared goal. We are sincerely grateful and inspired by all those who have donated to create the Schools of Superheroes in Ukraine," said Sanna-Mari Jäntti, Head of New Markets at Miltton Group.
In Ukraine, 17 Schools of Superheros are already fully operational in 13 cities. The creation of six of them was funded by the Olena Zelenska Foundation last year.
This year, the Foundation has launched the second wave of the project, which includes the opening of six more centers: in Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Lutsk, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, and Mukachevo.
“We have another partner involved in the implementation of the School of Superheroes project, and this is an incredible result. I am grateful to Miltton Group for their initiative and support in organizing the event in Helsinki, where Finnish business and philanthropists were able to unite in a shared desire to help implement one of the most important projects for our children,” concluded Nina Horbachova, Director of the Olena Zelenska Foundation.
The School of Superheroes project is being implemented under the auspices of the First Lady. These are educational spaces at children's hospitals where young patients can master the school curriculum in parallel with their treatment.