On March 23, the parking deck of the Neumann Forum in Berlin turned into a busy space. Parents, teachers and employees of the Berlin Klax School gathered here to support the private fundraising campaign of Ukrainian music teacher Igor Yakymenko.
Yakymenko from Western Ukraine used to deliver humanitarian supplies into his hometown during weekends. These goods, most of them donations, have been collected at the Neumann Forum, amongst them childcare and hygiene articles, as well as sleeping rolls and keepable food.
Students from the Klax School were involved in the campaign: Leila-Marie Köhncke from 10b class, for example arrived with her mother. She is bursting to help Ukrainian families as much as she can. Leila's mother Heike, a pediatric nurse, has been active in the "Frühe Hilfe" (early aid) initiative for years, and supports Ukrainian families as well. They both have helped distributing goods to refugees, arriving at Berlin’s main train station. “The situation is well organized there, and the atmosphere is very touching”, Heike says.
In school, the Ukraine crisis is an issue every day. Children and youngsters are highly concerned and want to talk. That's why students from the upper grades have initiated a discussion forum. They regularly visit lower grade school classes and talk with the young students about the war. Teacher Daniel Somogyi supports them with educational material about the current political situation, and coordinates communication between teachers, parents and students.
We are happy being part of this important initiative and thank Mr. Yakymenko for his valuable commitment.
