Paddington Bear comes to Ukraine to support family-based care for ...

Download Report (PDF | 5.93 MB | Ukrainian version) Beloved children’s character promotes the importance of family this holiday season

24 December 2024

KYIV, 24 December 2024 — Beloved children’s character Paddington Bear arrived in Ukraine today to join the “Ukraine for Every Child” campaign of the Coordination Centre for Family Upbringing and Child Care Development. The campaign is a key initiative supported by UNICEF as part of the Better Care reform agenda.

Paddington arrived at the Central Railway Station of Ukraine – a symbolic place for a character who began his journey to a caring foster family after stepping off a train in London. With the release of the new film Paddington in Peru in Ukraine, this visit will support ongoing efforts to strengthen family-based care for every child in the country.

"Paddington's story shows the transformative power of family. His story is a powerful reminder that every child has the right to grow up in a safe, loving, and supportive environment. UNICEF works with partners to help ensure that all children in Ukraine can enjoy this right. With our partners, we are building a future where families are supported and all children can thrive," said Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative to Ukraine.

The “Ukraine for Every Child” campaign promotes the importance of family, especially for vulnerable children. UNICEF’s support for this initiative is part of the Better Care agenda, an ambitious reform of the child care system in Ukraine that is a cornerstone of child-centred recovery efforts.

"In light of the upcoming festive period, it is important to remind adults that every child wants to celebrate holidays surrounded by family, feeling the warmth of home and the love of those close to them. For children living in institutional care, family becomes one of their most cherished desires. For all holidays, they don’t wish for toys or money, but simply to be near their mom and dad and to feel that they are truly needed by someone. Therefore, the number one priority for every adult in Ukraine should be ensuring a family for every child," said Iryna Tulyakova, Head of the Coordination Center for Family Upbringing and Child Care Development.

As Paddington in Peru is screened in Ukraine beginning in January 2025, Paddington will travel to 10 regions in the country that are piloting initiatives to strengthen social services and support to families, including family-based care for vulnerable children.

"Paddington serves as a global, informal representative of all that is good and kind. We are extremely happy and proud that, thanks to the UNICEF Ukraine team, Paddington can participate in the important initiative 'Ukraine for Every Child,' said Olha Lebedieva, a representative of Adastra Cinema.

“All the books, shows, and films about Paddington have become a globally recognized phenomenon, cherished and beloved by millions of people around the world. Ukraine has always been part of Paddington's fan club, and now, in return, Paddington is part of this incredible program because his kindness knows no boundaries," Olha added.

UNICEF is committed to continue working with partners to support the Better Care reform agenda in Ukraine, helping ensure that families are resilient amid the ongoing war and children can thrive in safe and supportive family environments.

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Notes to editors

The ‘Better Care Reform’ agenda focuses on three pillars:

Strengthening families and keeping them together by investing in social services. Expanding and improving family-based alternative care, such as foster care, guardianship, and domestic adoption for children without adequate parental care. Reintegrating children in institutions safely into family care, while transforming institutions to provide community services. Media contacts

Toby Fricker

Chief Advocacy and Communications

UNICEF Ukraine

Email: [email protected]