The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation donated modern kitchen equipment and kitchenware to the catering unit of the Svitanok preschool education institution in Zaporizhzhia. The assistance was provided as part of the Rinat Akhmetov for Children programme to ensure hot meals for the kindergarten's students despite the challenges of living in a frontline city.

Nataliia Yemchenko, Chair of the Foundation's Supervisory Board, and Kseniia Sukhova, the Foundation's CEO, presented the certificate to the kindergarten's management. During the visit, they viewed the shelter where the children are currently accommodated, as well as the upgraded catering unit.

"We are glad that this equipment is now serving its purpose here in Zaporizhzhia, at your institution. It was originally purchased for a school in Donetsk, but we never had the chance to hand it over. It was waiting for its time. We have now decided to donate the equipment to the city authorities, with whom we cooperate. I believe this is particularly important for a frontline city," said Nataliia YEMCHENKO.  

The kindergarten received modern stainless-steel kitchenware, new tableware, food storage cabinets, electrical appliances, and an air steriliser.

"We've received a lot of modern stainless-steel kitchenware. We now also have an air steriliser. In line with sanitary requirements, we collect daily food samples from the meals delivered to the children. This is where the glass containers used to store those samples are sanitised," said kindergarten director Daria DMYTRIIEVA.

According to her, the new equipment has made the kitchen staff's work much easier.

"The people working in this catering unit have been here for 20 or even 30 years. They say, ‘At last, we've got modern new equipment.’ They are very happy with it because it speeds up their work," she said.

The upgraded kitchen prepares hot meals for more than 100 children every day.

Vitalii LYSENKO, First Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Science of the Zaporizhzhia City Council, emphasised that the city continues to provide free meals to all kindergarten students. 

"We are the only community in Ukraine that provides free meals for all kindergarten children at the city's expense. We made that decision at the beginning of the war. We sought assistance specifically for this kindergarten because it provides two hot meals a day:  a first course and a second course. We then portion out the meals, reheat them, and take them to the children in the shelter, so we make very active use of the kitchens," he said.

Despite regular russian attacks, the kindergarten continues to operate. It currently has 125 children enrolled, with daily attendance ranging from 60 to 75 students. All of them stay in a specially equipped shelter, where they study, rest, and have their meals.

"Following attacks, attendance reaches 100%. Parents are adults, and they understand that their children's safety comes above all else. And it is far safer here than at home," said Regina KHARCHENKO, Acting Mayor of Zaporizhzhia.

The shelter has become a space where children can not only study but also feel safe. 

Kseniia Cherniavska, whose child attends the kindergarten, says that children's safety is the most important thing for her.

"I'm glad that the children are in the shelter. I don’t worry about their safety. They can't hear anything, and it is calm and peaceful here," she says. 

She also praises the quality of the food.

"The food is very good, very tasty, and varied. They [children] are well fed. I'm happy because they eat well here," the mother adds.

Six-year-old Yeva, who attends the kindergarten, also has her favourite dishes.

"I like salads, cutlets, and rice. The food here is really tasty," she says with a smile.

According to Kseniia SUKHOVA, the Foundation's CEO, supporting children, particularly those in frontline regions, remains one of the Foundation’s core areas of focus. 

"The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation places particular importance on working with and supporting children, especially now, during the war, and especially when it comes to children living in frontline areas. Supporting them is something we care deeply about, which makes projects like this especially meaningful. We're glad to be part of this in the wonderful city of Zaporizhzhia, and we want to thank you for your work. We wish you all the very best and hope that peace comes soon," she said.

Kseniia Sukhova also emphasised that the Rinat Akhmetov for Children programme has already helped more than 6 million children.

"Speaking about the Rinat Akhmetov for Children programme as a whole, more than 6 million children have already received assistance, support, or development opportunities through the Foundation. This includes camps, direct assistance to families, and educational opportunities. Throughout its history, the Foundation has consistently responded to pressing challenges," she said.

The donation of modern equipment for the catering unit is another example of cooperation between the charitable partners and the city, aimed at ensuring that even in frontline Zaporizhzhia, children have a safe environment, quality meals, and the chance to enjoy their childhood.