Displaced Individuals from the Ukraine Conflict Enjoying Summer Break in Portugal
The "Children of Heroes - Warmed by Sun and Love" project, a joint initiative by the Association of Ukrainians in Portugal, the Association of Ukrainian Women in Portugal, and the Benfica Parish Council, is set to provide a much-needed break for sixteen Ukrainian children aged 2 to 16 who have lost their parents due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The project, supported by the software company Arquiconsult, will see these children and their accompanying adults (their mothers, widows of Ukrainian soldiers, and a volunteer doctor) staying in Portugal from the 11th to the 21st of this month. During their stay, they will participate in a variety of leisure and cultural activities, including visits to beaches, the Lisbon Oceanarium, the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, Badoca Safari Park, Fátima, and the Mira D’Aire caves.
The initiative was launched in 2025 in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, which started with Russia's invasion in February 2022. The project aims to offer these families a respite from the war environment and create opportunities for joy and healing through leisure moments.
Looking ahead, the "Children of Heroes - Warmed by Sun and Love" project intends to be an annual event, with different families participating each year, reflecting a commitment to ongoing support and solidarity with the victims of the conflict.
[1] Association of Ukrainians in Portugal. (2025). Children of Heroes - Warmed by Sun and Love. Retrieved from https://www.ua-portugal.pt/children-of-heroes
[2] Arquiconsult. (2025). Arquiconsult supports the Children of Heroes - Warmed by Sun and Love project. Retrieved from https://www.arquiconsult.pt/noticias/arquiconsult-apoia-o-projeto-children-of-heroes-warmed-by-sun-and-love/
- The 'Children of Heroes - Warmed by Sun and Love' project,initiated in 2025 by the Association of Ukrainians in Portugal, will be hosted annually, offering a temporary escape from the conflict-stricken Ukraine to affected families, as seen in this year's event supported by Arquiconsult.
- While exploring Portugal's rich culture and history during their stay, these children, who have lost their parents in the war, will engage in various leisure activities, including visits to beaches, museums, and religious sites, aiming to create opportunities for joy and healing.
- As international political tensions continue surrounding the ongoing war in Ukraine, initiatives like the 'Children of Heroes - Warmed by Sun and Love' project highlight the importance of global solidarity, showcasing a positive lifestyle shift focused on humanitarian support and compassion.
