Young Bolton boy travels to Poland to meet and support Ukrainian children
Image by Daxa Kumar
Inspirational young boy Milan Paul Kumar, who is the recipient of several awards for his humanitarian work, is supporting displaced Ukrainian children to show them that they still have the needed support a year on.
10 million refugees from Ukraine have crossed the Polish border since Russia invaded Ukraine last year.
“Last year I washed cars with Greater Manchester Fire Service and donated my pocket money to FirstNews Ukraine Schools Appeal,” Kumar said.
He added, “A year has passed, I wanted to do more for Ukraine and for them to know they still have our support.”
As a Diana Award 2022 recipient and 2022 #iwill Ambassador for social and humanitarian action, Kumar asked his parents to arrange a visit to Poland to help support Ukrainian children.
He started his humanitarian journey at the Ukrainian Centre in Bolton. The Tesco staff and the National Literacy Trust, along with authors, have donated huge amounts of stationery and books to be given to the Ukrainian children. Trailfinders and Jet2Airways arranged for an extra luggage allowance.
Image by Daxa Kumar
Kumar was invited for his efforts to the consulate by Wiaczeslaw Wojnarowskyj, General Consulate of Ukraine in Krakow.
“It was an honour and privilege to meet with Wiaczeslaw Wojnarowskyj in Krakow. The whole world #StandwithUkraine,” the young boy said.
Kumar was then taken to visit a newly built school for Ukrainian children where he visited the classrooms, interacted with Ukrainian women and children, read books and handed out the donated stationery and books which was gratefully received. “Most importantly I made lots of new Ukrainian friends who I will visit again,” beamed Kumar.
Daxa, Kumar’s mother added, “Our support means so much to the Ukrainian people who one day soon hope to rebuild Ukraine.”
Kumar concluded, “Ukrainian children have resilience that I admire. Imagine having to flee your home, country, leave everything behind and in most cases your dads and brothers.”
