Where My Child Blossoms: How the Child-Friendly Space Is Changing Lives

Oksana from Kryvyi Rih is 17 years old. Every day, she and her mother, Maryna, spend nearly two hours traveling to reach their favorite Child-Friendly Space — and the same amount of time to get back home.
“As I tell my daughter, we now have a daily sightseeing tour around the city,” Maryna jokes. “But every morning my child wakes up and asks, ‘When are we going to the Space?’ You can’t imagine how a mother’s heart rejoices when she sees her child inspired, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. Honestly, I feel like I have wings myself when I hear these words from her.”

Oksana has had a disability since birth. To be there for her daughter, Maryna left her job more than two years ago. What strikes you immediately is that both mother and daughter are incredible optimists — radiating energy that uplifts everyone around them.
“My girl is so curious — she loves this world so much that we can hardly keep up with her interests. Drawing, dancing, singing, clubs — from sand sculpting to aircraft modeling. She wants to experience life! That’s how we found the Child-Friendly Space in Kryvyi Rih through social media. My daughter would live there if she could!” Maryna laughs.

Over 17 years of raising her daughter, Maryna has learned how the support system for children with disabilities works — and where it often fails. She admits that the hardest part is explaining to her child why she can join only the art class but not the dance group, or why her choices are limited. Yet despite all challenges, Maryna never gives up, never loses faith in people, and constantly seeks new opportunities for Oksana’s growth.
“In the Child-Friendly Space, we found something that brings tears of gratitude. They’ve created an atmosphere where my daughter blossoms and wants to return every day. It means so much to me to see that the specialists here are not only highly professional but also truly love children and their work. And I see other parents like me — rejoicing with their children at every small step forward,” Maryna shares.

At the Space, Oksana regularly meets with a speech therapist — her speech improves week by week. She also works with a psychologist who helps her better understand herself and the world around her. And at every activity held in the Space, Oksana is always among the first to participate.
“On behalf of all parents, I want to say a huge thank-you to the team of the Space. We see your dedication, your care, and your love for our children. The sessions, the games, the materials — everything is thoughtful and of high quality. Finding a place like this — where you are welcomed, understood, and supported — is priceless in times like these. My daughter and I are simply happy to have found this Space!” says Maryna.

Our Child-Friendly Spaces operate within the UNICEF Ukraine project “Strengthening Community Capacity to Provide Essential Protection and Resilience Services” in Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions, implemented by NGO Responsible Citizens with the support of the Government of the United States of America.