Care that embraces not only education but also a child’s emotional well-being
The International Charitable Foundation Caritas Ukraine launches its annual nationwide campaign “School Backpack 2025” for the 24th year in a row. This initiative is implemented through a network of 47 Caritas charitable organizations across Ukraine.
In 2025, the campaign is reaching a new level. In addition to a basic set of school supplies, each backpack will also include a set of psychological support items designed to help children cope with anxiety, stress, and the ongoing challenges of life during wartime.
“At Caritas Ukraine, we understand that supporting children during war must be comprehensive. That’s why this year’s ‘School Backpack’ is not just a learning kit, but a symbol of care for a child’s emotional well-being. We’re integrating psychological tools to reduce anxiety and strengthen children’s inner resilience. This is part of our systemic approach to protecting childhood, dignity, and the right of every child to develop safely — even in times of war,” – said Zoriana Lukavetska, Head of the Education, Formation and Child Protection Program at Caritas Ukraine.
Campaign goals for 2025
Caritas’ goal for 2025 is to purchase and distribute 5,000 school backpacks.
Of these, 1,000 will be purchased centrally, and the rest will be provided thanks to the support of local businesses and philanthropists.
The total fundraising goal is UAH 2,500,000 (approx. $62,000), with each fully packed backpack costing around UAH 2,500 — UAH 1,900 for school supplies and UAH 600 for psychological support items.
What’s inside the “School Backpack”
Educational kit: backpack, notebooks, pencils, markers, paints, modeling clay, scissors, glue, paper, cardboard — everything needed for a primary school student.
Psychological support kit: child’s water bottle, reflective safety sticker, soft toy-bracelet “Capybara”, electronic pop-it, squishy toy ball (scrunchems), Dobble card game, 3D stickers, a support postcard, and 10 instruction cards for self-soothing and sensory regulation.
This is more than just a collection of supplies — it’s a message to every child that they are seen, supported, and not alone.
Partnership
In 2024, Caritas Ukraine collected and distributed 412 fully packed backpacks at the national level, amounting to UAH 1,051,465.62.
In addition, 30 local Caritas organizations provided backpacks to more than 4,600 children.
The full report is available at the link.
Among the 2024 campaign supporters: CHI Software, EPAM, Uptech, Beter, Nordcurrent Group (Lithuania), Caritas Danmark, Caritas Croatia, CAFOD, and other partners from the global Caritas network.
In 2025, Caritas Ukraine invites partners who share the values of childhood protection and children’s emotional well-being to join the initiative.
How to contribute?
Individuals
Legal entities (Ukraine residents):
- Account: UA883253650000002600407913626
- Bank: KREDOBANK JSC, MFO 325365
- Payment purpose: Charitable donation for School Backpack 2025
- Charitable Foundation: Caritas Ukraine, EDRPOU code: 21695710
International partners and donors:
Contact for SWIFT details: partners@caritas.ua
Media inquiries:
Olha Sytnyk – osytnik@caritas.ua
Partnership inquiries:
partners@caritas.ua