A Ukrainian father has thanked a Reading charity for helping them source educational supplies.
Bookmark Reading are supporting Ukrainian children staying in Reading with books, stationery, and games with ‘Bookmark Boxes for Ukraine’.
One Ukrainian father that benefitted from the drive is Mykhailo Radchenko, who arrived in the UK from Kyiv last month with his wife and two children, Mark and Stefania.
“My children are very happy with the boxes - Mark's favourite part of the box is the pencil case because he doesn't have one for school,” said Mr Radchenko.
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Each child receives high quality books in Ukrainian and English, a tablet pre-loaded with multilingual eBooks, literacy and language apps, together with a SIM card to stay in touch with family and friends.
There are also school stationery sets, sensory games and story-telling aides for therapeutic play.
Sharon Pindar, Founder and Chair of Bookmark Reading Charity, said: “Children are fleeing Ukraine, leaving so much behind. They may arrive in the UK with nothing and will need to start a new life whilst healing from trauma.
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“They may not be able to attend school straight away, so will need support with their education. Language barriers may also leave them feeling isolated.
“The Bookmark Box will give them tools and resources to help them feel secure and begin the process of healing.
“We want to give them a warm welcome and help them to start a new chapter in their life. We want to offer comfort in stories.”
The Bookmark Boxes include familiar Ukrainian books as well as picture books to reflect the refugee experience.
‘The Fabulous Lost and Found’ has been translated by the Author Mark Pallis into Ukrainian by a Ukrainian translator specifically for the appeal.
Jay Stansfield, Author and Illustrator of award-winning colouring book ‘Squibbles’ has commissioned an exclusive colouring sheet to be included on the box, so children can make it their own.
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