KAWĘCZYNEK, Poland — Nearly 2 million refugees have fled to Poland following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Polish civil society has quickly responded, with Poles of all ages and professions providing help and safety to those seeking shelter.
An orphanage in Kaweczynek, Poland is caring for 24 children from Lutsk, Ukraine. Many of the children, aged 10-15, are disabled. The orphanage’s name translates to “The Honor of Helping Children.”
Just like the more than 3 million who have left Ukraine, many were able to cross the border with only a few belongings. The organizer said the orphanage hopes to host the children until the war ends.
There is currently a pause on all Ukrainian adoptions and the Ukrainian government has ordered that no orphans are to leave Poland until the conflict ends, according to a State Department news release.
Ukrainian children may travel to neighboring European countries from Ukraine with their legal guardian if other criteria are met, which includes approval from the local military-civilian administration.