Supporting Children in the Chernihiv Region as Generators Bringing Light, Warmth, and Hope
- Kent With Ukraine
- Mar 4
- 3 min read
Over the past few months, Ukraine has endured one of the harshest winters in decades. In the Chernihiv region, temperatures plunged to as low as –27°C, accompanied by heavy snowfall and prolonged periods of extreme cold. Throughout this time, Russia continued its relentless attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving thousands of people without electricity, heating, and, in some cases, even access to running water for weeks at a time. For families already living under the strain of war, these conditions posed an immense daily challenge.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of supporters, Kent With Ukraine, working in partnership with author Johnny Stonborough, has been able to respond in a practical and impactful way. Together, they have sent generators to Chernihiv to support vulnerable families and institutions across the region. These generators have proven to be a vital lifeline, helping households stay warm, maintain basic services, and preserve a sense of normality during frequent power outages.
Jordan recently travelled to the Chernihiv region to visit families and institutions that have benefited directly from these donations. The visit offered an opportunity to see first-hand the difference community support from the UK has made on the ground, and to better understand where further help may be needed.
One of the most significant visits was to the Chernihiv Center for Social and Psychological Rehabilitation of Children. This remarkable institution provides care and support to some of the most vulnerable children in Ukraine—young people whose lives have been deeply affected by conflict, displacement, and trauma. During discussions with staff, Jordan learned more about the challenges the centre faces and explored ways Kent With Ukraine might be able to offer further assistance in the future. The dedication and compassion shown by those working at the centre left a lasting impression.
In the town of Sosnytsia, Jordan had the pleasure of visiting a family that had received one of the donated generators. Meeting the children and hearing directly from them about how the generator had transformed their daily lives was a deeply moving experience. During blackouts, the generator has enabled them to continue their studies, complete homework, and stay connected with their teachers—small things that make an enormous difference to a child’s sense of stability and hope.
While in Ukraine, Kent With Ukraine, with the advice and support the Chernihiv Regional State Administration also took the opportunity to purchase and deliver an additional generator to a family in the Bobrovytsia microdistrict, an area that suffered heavily during the fighting.
The visit was particularly meaningful, as the family is led by a veteran defender of Chernihiv. Despite the hardships endured, the pride he carries for his family and community was unmistakable. Ensuring his household has a reliable source of power offers not just practical support, but also a gesture of solidarity and respect for his service and sacrifice.
Throughout the visit, Jordan was struck by the resilience and dignity of the people of Chernihiv. Across towns and villages, individuals continue to dedicate themselves to caring for children and supporting their communities in the face of the ongoing barbarity of this war. Their strength, kindness, and determination in such harsh circumstances are truly humbling.
Jordan expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who made these efforts possible, particularly the supporters of Kent With Ukraine whose generosity funded the generators. Special thanks were also extended to Чернігівська ОДА for facilitating these meaningful and memorable visits, and to Ira Martseva and Виктор Власенко for their invaluable guidance—particularly for patiently sharing their expertise on selecting generators and navigating the aisles of a Ukrainian hardware shop.
As winter slowly loosens its grip, the need for support in Ukraine remains urgent.
These generators represent more than just machines; they are symbols of international solidarity, compassion, and hope. Kent With Ukraine remains committed to standing with the people of Chernihiv and across Ukraine, ensuring that no family faces the darkness and cold alone.
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