As children and grandchildren start back at school, we wanted to tell you about how our Bar/Bat Mitzvah Giving Programme helps give families like the Belousovas (pictured above) in Ukraine a chance to support themselves and live a dignified life.

For most children in the UK, summer is a time for fun and family holidays. For the families we support in Ukraine, it’s often a very different story.

Ekaterina and Yaroslav were unemployed until recently. Living on just 800 Hryvnia/month (£31.75) they struggled to feed and clothe their children and they could only dream of day-trips and a summer holiday.

That was before Ekaterina joined our programme to develop her entrepreneurial skills. She became more confident and, with our help, has started her own business with over 150 clients.

Thanks to the programme, the Belousovas’ income has increased by ten-fold, to 8,000 Hryvnia per month (£317.52). This summer, the family were, for the first time, able to afford a trip to the seaside and even go to the cinema.

How your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah can help families like the Belousovas

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Giving programme is aimed at children in the UK, who are preparing for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The programme provides participants with an opportunity to immerse themselves in their own community as part of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah studies and celebrations, while supporting other communities throughout the world.