Not (only) with the eyes: Polina

Polina is 9 years old. She is in Year 2 at an inclusive school in Khmelnytskyi.

Polinka really loves spending time with other children. She is a cheerful, quick-witted, open and very lively little girl. She is curious about everything going on around her; she is keen to make friends, chat, get involved in lessons and loves being around people.

Polina has a budgie at home. She feeds it, looks after it and even teaches it to talk all by herself. That’s our Polinka for you – a kind, caring, cheerful and very warm-hearted child.

Polina is already attending an inclusive school, but for a blind child, school is not just about lessons, textbooks and homework. It also involves many everyday practical situations: how to organise her workspace, how to use her personal belongings, how to find her way around, how to interact with her classmates, and how to feel confident in new situations.

To make learning more comfortable and everyday life more independent, it is important for Polina to constantly develop her practical skills. These are the kinds of things that sighted children often pick up without realising it, but for a blind child they require special training, time, support and a safe environment.

This is precisely why there is an educational and rehabilitation camp for blind children – a week of practical learning away from home and school. Here, the children learn to do the things they will need every day: using everyday objects, navigating familiar and new routes, communicating, asking for help, acting independently and feeling more confident in their own abilities.

The camp is organised by the Lviv regional branch of the All-Ukrainian Organisation ‘Ukrainian Union of Disabled People – USI’. For many years, this has been the only programme of its kind in Ukraine where blind children can practise daily living and social skills in a safe environment alongside specialists.

The camp takes place in Zakarpattia, in the village of Bene. The venue is fully adapted to the needs of blind children, with no rush or external pressure. This allows the children to focus on learning, relaxing and gradually consolidating their new skills.

Each child attends the camp accompanied by their mum or dad. Parents also receive training, as family support is a vital part of a blind child’s development. It is at home that the child continues to practise the skills that help them become more independent.

One camp session lasts 7 days and involves 8 children, 8 parents and a team of specialists who work on a voluntary basis.

The cost of one session is 166,000 UAH. All funds go towards accommodation, meals, transport, materials and rehabilitation activities.

For Polina, taking part in this camp is an opportunity to become more confident, learn important practical skills, socialise with other children, gain new experiences and take another step towards greater independence.

This fundraiser is to support Polina in her development, learning and daily journey towards a confident life.

So that she feels more confident: I can do this, I know how, I’m getting there.