WWO Europe’s partner organization, the Transcarpathian Second Chance Charity Foundation organised a family weekend for Ukrainian families based in Hungary. 63 participants joined the event in February 2024.

Numerous families suffer separation as a result of the war in Ukraine. This weekend was aimed at providing Ukrainian parents with a time of rest and relaxation and an opportunity to connect with other parents facing similar challenges.   

One group of parents were moms, who work hard at home, and fathers who are overseas suffering because they are unable to return home. Another group of parents were those who are raising their children alone due to divorce. Such families may be in an even more challenging situation because the children bear a heavy burden of caring for their own physical and mental needs. The goal of the camp was to provide for them a short break and mentally recharge. It is heartbreaking when the children have to bear the terrible experience of divorce in the shadow of the war. The third group of parents included those parents who are foster parents. One such lady is raising four children alone with great love.  

During the weekend, the topics of mental health, a healthy marriage, raising children, and healing from trauma were covered. Romanian speakers shared with a great deal of love. Individuals, parents, and children are indeed even more vulnerable to mental burnout as a result of the stress brought on by the war and the losses.  It is more difficult for the children to perform in school, and mental challenges can cause aggressive behavior which needs to be addressed.

The campsite was beautiful with a nice guesthouse and delicious food and comfortable rooms. One of the camp participants was a grandmother who raises her grandchild alone. She had never been in such a place before. Support from WWO Europe was used to cover expenses for food and accommodation. We thank God for our donors, and for a good Family Weekend with grateful participants.