Schools across the UK are invited to join the First News Ukraine Schools Appeal in an effort to raise as much money as possible in support of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).
On Wednesday 16th March all schools will join in solidarity with the children of Ukraine by going to school wearing something blue and yellow and giving £1 or donating what they can.
Schools and their children are also encouraged to take part in any other fundraising activity such as doing a sponsored walk, hosting a bake sale or simply donating.
Secretary of State for Education Nadhim Zahawi said: “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is deeply distressing and heart breaking. I know that seeing this illegal and immoral attack on such a beautiful country can be confusing and upsetting for children and I’m pleased to see the work that First News is doing to help navigate this difficult issue.
“I fully support First News’ appeal launched in partnership with the Disasters Emergency Committee, which will help raise vital funds for the people impacted by the invasion, while at the same time showing our support for the incredible people of Ukraine.”
All funds raised from the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine appeal, supported by the First News Ukraine Schools Appeal, will help to supply urgent food, hygiene supplies and medical care to refugees and those trapped by the conflict. All monies schools donate to this appeal will go directly to the DEC’s work, says First News. Donated funds will help DEC member charities working in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to scale up their work, which also includes counselling, providing safe spaces for women and children and giving out dignity kits containing items such as period products and underwear.
The majority of the 1.7 million people who have fled Ukraine are children and women, in the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War, according to the UN.
Nicky Cox MBE, Editor in chief of First News, said: “We’ve been hearing from children that they feel helpless and hopeless and that they really want to do something to help and show their support for Ukraine. I hope that together with all UK’s schools and their pupils we can all help to raise the much-needed funds to support the extraordinary work of the DEC and its NGO partner organisations.
“In these worrying times, there is a huge amount of fake news being circulated which is increasing the anxiety of many children, and indeed, adults too. For more than 15 years First News has reported on world events ensuring children have access to reliable, trustworthy and age-appropriate news curated especially for them. Our reporting takes the fear out of sensationalised world events that children are exposed to, giving them a balanced and truthful view of the world, carefully, and sensitively, explaining the background to stories in the news. First News stands in solidarity with all the children, families, men and women of Ukraine and those caught in this terrible conflict.”
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