A Book From A Hero: NUJU hands over practical gifts to children from a Chernihiv hospital

During their visit to the Chernihiv Region, the President of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), Sergiy Tomilenko, and his colleague from Italy/deputy head of the Lombardy Union of Journalists, Anna Del Freo, handed over books and toys to the children being treated at the Chernihiv Regional Children’s Hospital.

“We treat 250-270 children every day,” said the head of the hospital, Tetiana Lebedieva. “We worked even during the siege of Chernihiv, although there was neither electricity nor water. About 35 children who needed emergency help, including the wounded, were placed in the basement. Adults were also helped because, in those days, the victims turned to the nearest medical facility.”

Gifts for children receiving treatment in the hospital became part of the A Book From A Hero initiative of the commander of the AFU Joint Forces, Serhii Nayev. Sergiy Tomilenko emphasized that the initiative is aimed at supporting children during the war. The purpose of such an event is to create positive impressions for children and provide opportunities for development even in the current difficult times.

“Today, on behalf of the entire journalistic community, we supported the initiative of Lieutenant General Serhii Nayev,” said Sergiy Tomilenko. “We also handed over gifts from our Japanese partners. They brought both patriotic and entertaining books for children. There is also literature for children. The main thing is that all texts are printed exclusively in Ukrainian. In this way, we immerse children in the Ukrainian-speaking environment.”

All the gifts were donated to the Department of Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy.

“Books distract children from thoughts about war. They give an opportunity to think about a bright, joyful, healthy, and peaceful future. They teach them to realize the most cherished wishes and to believe in goodness,” the head of the department, Alla Demchenko, said. “Every child is an individual, so our young patients will have the opportunity to choose what to read to them.”

Together with the Ukrainian journalists, their colleague from Italy/member of the executive committee of the European Federation of Journalists, Anna Del Freo, visited the Chernihiv Regional Children’s Hospital.

“Last year, together with the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, we organized a project that included an exhibition of children’s drawings,” said the Italian journalist. “We used the funds collected to give tablets to children who had to flee from the occupied territories – so that the children could continue their education. Currently, we continue cooperation in this direction?”

During the visit to Chernihiv, Sergiy Tomilenko and Anna Del Freo also met with leading media representatives of the region.

NUJU Information Service