"Let's Give the Angel Wings"
Let's Invest Together in the Future of the Children of War
Join the initiative of the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America and support the scholarship program of NaUKMA
“Individual Leader's Trajectory” (kma_juni) — for children affected by the war.
These children grow up beyond their years. Their childhood will forever be marked by sirens instead of school bells, cold rooms without light and warmth, forced farewells to home, and the constant question: what will happen next?
These are the children of war — children of those who gave their lives for Ukraine's freedom, went missing, or face the enemy on the front lines every day.
In a world of uncertainty, they are forced to make adult decisions early: choosing a profession, a country of residence, life priorities, and mentors. This is why the “Individual Leader's Trajectory” program, initiated by the Kyiv-Mohyla School of Professional and Continuing Education and first implemented in the 2023–2024 academic year at kma_pro, has become a support for many during times of loss and change.
For some, it became the first conscious step towards a professional choice.
For others, it was support during forced relocations.
And for some, it was proof that leadership is not given once and for all but is formed daily through experience, mistakes, and self-reflection.
The Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America and the National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” appeal to the Ukrainian community in the USA to invest in Ukraine's future — to support the new intake of the scholarship program for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Stories That Inspire
Participants in the program vary in age, experience, and dreams. But they share one main thing: the opportunity to become part of a community where they can ask important questions, find their path, make mistakes, grow, and build their own life trajectory.
“The program didn't give me the trajectory itself, but the skill to form it,” —
Yehor Romanenko, participant of ITL 2024–2025
Yehor is a displaced person from Donetsk. After the city's occupation in 2014, his family moved to Kurakhove, which was later occupied by the Russians during the full-scale war. Today, the young man lives in Kyiv and studies in the interdisciplinary program “Political Leadership and Economic Diplomacy” at NaUKMA.
An active civic position, participation in the student election commission, and high academic success have become the result of a conscious choice of the future — a choice that began with the ITL program.
Sisters Who Did Not Break
Anastasia and Polina Kolisnyk are sisters from Kramatorsk. The full-scale war forced them to leave their home and live in different cities in Ukraine. After their father's death in Donetsk, their aunt took custody of them and their younger brother.
Even in forced evacuation, the girls did not stop: in Vorokhta, they organized postcard-making classes for refugee children — to restore a sense of normalcy and warmth.
“We decided it was a chance to learn something new and become better versions of ourselves.”
Today, Anastasia studies graphic design and develops as an artist in Germany, while Polina lives in Lviv and dreams of the music stage. Both share one common dream: peace, freedom, and independence for Ukraine.
The Path of Strength and Service
Tetiana Prykhodko is from Sloviansk. Her father died while performing a combat mission in Luhansk. He became an example of responsibility and love for work for her.
At 15, Tetiana became a scholarship recipient of the ITL program while being a cadet at the “Patriot” military lyceum. Today she is a student at Tavria National University, where she studies “Therapy and Rehabilitation” to help soldiers recover from injuries.
“Without ITL, I wouldn't be where I am now. These memories will remain in my heart forever.”
Finding One's Calling
Daria Halahan from Chernihiv lost her brother in the war. The ITL program helped her decide on a profession and university.
Today, she is a student at NaUKMA, actively participates in community initiatives, attends international forums, and confidently builds her leadership trajectory.
“This is an environment of real knowledge, critical thinking development, and decision-making. It opens doors to real life.”
Results and Goals
In two years, the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America has already funded two program graduations and provided scholarships to 82 students in grades 10–11 from various regions of Ukraine.
A total of 142 children have participated in the program.
For the new academic year 2026–2027, the plan is to raise $50,000 to help even more teenagers affected by the war.
One scholarship — $1,000 — covers half a year of education for one child.
Every donation is a ray of hope.
It is a sign that they are not alone.
It is wings that help them rise after losses.
How to Join
Zelle: mail@kmfoundation.org
Online: kmfoundation.org → DONATE
Checks: Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America,
P.O. Box 46009, Chicago, IL 60646
The Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America is a charitable organization. All funds are used exclusively for their intended purpose and are tax-exempt.
Contact person:
Maria Klymchak, Executive Director of KMF
Phone: 312.882.0104
Email: ukrwave@hotmail.com
Let's Give the Angel Wings Together.
Because by investing in children today —
we are building a strong Ukraine tomorrow.
