Call for help: Kharkiv city kindergarten needs new playroom furniture

Zsuzsanna Bozo
Nov 10
4 min read

Updated: Nov 11

A Russian drone strike hit a kindergarten in Kharkiv, Ukraine on October 22, 2025 – after a massive attack overnight. Unfortunately, one person has been killed and seven people have been injured All 48 children present that day have been evacuated and not injured. We plan to help this kindergarten and furnish at least two temporary playrooms before the end of this year.

"There is no justification for a drone strike on a kindergarten, nor can there ever be. Clearly, Russia is growing more brazen. These strikes are Russia’s spit in the face to everyone who insists on a peaceful resolution."

President Volodymyr Zelensky

How did the war affect the nursery?

The war has had a profound impact on our community. Our original building in Kharkiv was damaged by shelling, and part of the preschool was destroyed. We lost furniture, educational materials, and equipment. We relocated to a temporary space kindly provided by a school. Despite all challenges, our mission remains unchanged — to provide children with a safe, joyful, and nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and feel secure.

(By Anastasiya Koshman, Nursery staff )

Link to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky’s post on the attack

BBC News article on the situation:

Hungarian Dragon Feeders - partnership agreed

Having a cup of tea with Balázs can lead to actions. We sat down and discussed, how Direct Aid team would be willing to help.

The Dragon Feeders Foundation is a publicly funded initiative, giving ways for Hungarians to contribute to the Ukrainians' fight against their enemy. The news hit the Hungarian press, and Balázs and Mihály were right on to make a call, to figure out how they could help and a small plan was forged to send shelves, tables, chairs, and replace the broken and missing toys. Once we joined, plan was extended with a more planned approach, to design and furnish fully rooms after our "tea talk".

The Nursery Project - Extending to Kharkiv

Over the last 15 years, many kindergartens, children's homes received a full makeover as part of The Nursery Project" initiative. The latest one was in the village of Csongor, a kindergarten of 65 kids, and Nagydobrony Children's home, a new wing was created for little boys.

With this experience, we were ready to step in and get in touch with Anastasiya Koshman from the daycare center. She was super quick with information, which I can now share with you.

Introducing the Honey Home Kindergarten, Kharkiv, Ukraine

The Honey Home kindergarten has been operating since 2016 and has continued its work even throughout the war. Previously located at 7 Kotsarska Street, Kharkiv, Ukraine. (This building is what you can see above; technically, it's no longer). Currently operating at our new location: 13 Blagoveshenska Street. It currently has over 70 children enrolled, and the full capacity is up to 90 children across different age groups. Employ more than 17 staff members.

"We use a play-based and creative learning approach, with a strong focus on music, art, movement, and early language development."

Action Plan for Direct Aid :

Work with the local kindergarten staff to come up with a furnishing plan that best serves their type of education plan
Design the rooms, see how best to shape the space to create a welcoming environment for the kids.
Cost the plan ( furniture, fittings, electronics, toys needed)
Raise funds for this specific nursery, to exactly what they need, offering quick and direct help to the spot.
Organize a day of fun, with a local team of volunteers to help build furniture, and celebrate the final results with the kids.

Plan for the main activity room (73,9m2)

We need to raise 5.000 Euro to cover the cost of this plan (and more toys, a large screen tv set)

" As for the sports room, everything we had for physical activities was destroyed in the fire. So now we will need sports mats, as well as different kinds of equipment for active games — anything of that kind would be very helpful."

Plan for the smaller play group room (38.2 m2)

We need to raise 5.500 Euro to cover the cost of this plan (and more toys, soft furnishing)

"We also think it might be nice to have a small relaxation and reading corner in this room, or a space for circle-time type activities."

How can you help?

If you are in the United States, don't hesitate to get in touch with Alex Davern, who will be coordinating the funds donated to this purpose: alexdavern@gmail.com

If you are in Hungary or you have a smaller contribution to make, please contact Zsuzsanna Bozo, in Hungary. Send a message here: directaidforukrainecharity@gmail.com Please refer to Kharkiv Nursery

Further projects you can contribute to :

We will be posting shortly info on supporting Xmas presents for an entire orphanage (170 kids) and our work with hospitals across the Transcarpathian Region of Ukraine. We hope to furnish new rehabilitation wings for injured soldiers. Your support goes a long way by directly sending help to where it's needed. Subscribe to our news, so you don't miss it!