Happy Bubble serves as a lifeline for the education of Ukrainian children in Romania

In the midst of war and displacement, follow the inspiring journey of Ukrainian refugee children like Kyrylo, who have found a glimmer of hope and support at the Happy Bubble in Bucharest, Romania, as he strives to rebuild his life, make new friends, and pursue his dreams amidst the challenges of displacement.

As the clock struck 8 in the morning, in a foreign country far from Ukraine, a grandmother stood in the doorway of a temporary shelter. Her eyes followed her grandson, Kyrylo, who was going to school.

Kyrylo shouldered his schoolbag, which held a few books and a laptop needed for online classes. For over a year now, he has been following the same route to school, which takes him through a park and an incredibly beautiful lake. However, it is still an unfamiliar neighborhood, its streets devoid of the sights and sounds of his homeland.

“When the full-scale war broke out in Ukraine, I fled my hometown of Odesa with my grandmother. Unfortunately, our family is separated. My mother can’t come and visit me as she has a job to do in Ukraine,” says 15-year-old Kyrylo.

In a foreign land, amidst the uncertainty of a new beginning, he carried with him the resilience of his people, the love of his grandmother, and the determination to build a future, one step at a time.

In a world where conflict and crisis force countless families to flee their homes, children often bear the heaviest burdens. Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, more than 7 million people have become refugees, 2 million of whom are innocent children.

Among these brave souls is Kyrylo, who found a glimmer of hope and support at World Vision’s Happy Bubble, a child-friendly space supported by World Vision Korea.

“This center helped me to adjust to life in Romania. The teachers and volunteers here are very responsive and kind. You don't even need to ask them for help. They are always there for you. And that is very good,” shares Kyrylo.

Kyrylo has been attending the Happy Bubble in Bucharest for over a year now, and it has become a lifeline for him as he navigates the challenges of building a new life abroad.

The center has provided Kyrylo with a dedicated space where he can participate in distance learning while staying connected to his roots in Ukraine. This support has been invaluable, allowing him to continue his education. However, Kyrylo's longing for social interaction remains.

“I have been studying remotely since 2020. First the Coronavirus pandemic, then the full-scale war. And all this time I’ve been on my laptop. Of course, I would like to study with people in the class. I want some socialization,” explains the boy.

Football has been a source of solace for Kyrylo amidst the challenges of his new life abroad. He has become involved with the local football club, finding joy in the thrill of running with the ball.

This center helped me to adjust to life in Romania. The teachers and volunteers here are very responsive and kind.

He adds, “Thanks to football, at least I have friends. They are Romanians, so communicating with them is difficult due to the language barrier. But somehow, we understand each other.”

As World Vision continues to provide essential support to Ukrainian refugee children like Kyrylo, stories like his serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination that young people possess, even in the face of adversity.

The Happy Bubble is more than just a physical space; it's a sanctuary of hope, where children can rebuild their lives, make new friends, and look toward a brighter future.

To date, more than 285,000 Ukrainian refugees in Romania have been served by World Vision Ukraine Crisis Response with food security, mental health care, child protection, basic needs, education, and cash assistance programs.

Story by Oleksandra Shapkina, Ukraine Communications Officer I Photos by Laurentia Jora, Romania & Moldova Communications Coordinator