The September 12th Richmond Literary Lunch will raise funds for the Sant'Egidio, Ukraine, School of Peace, a charity close to author Andrey Kurkov’s heart and supported by his family as volunteers.
Sant'Egidio Ukraine works with children affected by the war. In Kyiv, Irpin, Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk they offer weekly “School of Peace” clubs for 6 to 12-year-old children as well as special events around seasonal festivals.
In the current situation, when many of the children have lost their homes and or loved ones and often receive only online school education, they particularly need opportunities to talk about their emotions and to socialise with other children.
The clubs - run by volunteers with qualified supervision - encourage children to read, write, do artwork and take part in games and outings.
Currently, 300 children attend the weekly clubs during which they are offered fruit, and other snacks.
The work of the School of Peace Project involves the regular purchase of:
- Stationery
- Books (to lend or gift to children)
- Fruit and other snacks
Sant'Egidio is grateful for any contributions towards these costs. The UK branch of Sant'Egidio will oversee the collection and delivery of donations and will report to the Richmond Literary Lunch on how any funds raised have been spent.