“It is hard to imagine a more worthy goal than home and family for every child,” Olena Zelenska has said.

The First Lady of Ukraine was speaking at the opening of the plenary session of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

As part of the Ukraine Peace Formula presented by Zelenska, she stated that as part of the country’s commitment to join the EU, “we must completely get rid of classical orphanages with educators and directors, giving all children the opportunity to grow up in families.” She also noted the importance of foster families in addressing care reform in Ukraine, and called for financial support from the EU to enable the development of a systematic approach.

Lumos shares the First Lady’s wish to see Ukraine’s children grow up where they belong – in a safe, loving home, surrounded by family to help them thrive, and we welcome the commitment to make this wish a reality.

Nearly 100 years of research shows that the best place for children to grow and develop properly is within a family or family-like setting. 

Our work shows that care reform is possible, and we welcome the First Lady’s call for the necessary support to be put in place to ensure that every child has the chance to experience the love and care of a family.