"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times"
Анна Слепченко (Anna), 20, Scout leader supporting displaced children in Dnipro
NSO: National Organization of Scouts of Ukraine
By Knowledge Network – Staff member
When the war escalated in early 2022, Anna, a 20-year-old Scout leader from Dnipro, packed her emergency suitcase. Her family had decided she and her siblings would evacuate, while her parents remained behind. “I packed essentials—warm clothes, chargers, documents. But I also packed a childhood photo with my mum and a postcard my best friend drew for me.”
She fled by train. The station was full of frightened people. The train compartments were overcrowded, and the sense of desperation was overwhelming. “We travelled for five days before reaching Berlin. I was with my siblings and family friends. We found safety, but it was far from home.”
I had no idea what kind of journey awaited me, or if I would ever see my hometown and parents again.
Returning home—and giving back
After six months in Germany, Anna returned to Dnipro, despite her parents’ warnings. The situation was still volatile, but she needed to reconnect with her life—and her community. “It saddened me that I never got to say a proper goodbye. When the opportunity came, I immediately returned.”
Back in Ukraine, most of her patrol had left the city. But her National Scout Organization, through the UAct project, was running programmes for internally displaced children who had fled cities like Mariupol and Sievierodonetsk. Anna joined immediately.
Volunteering in the UAct project and helping children who fled their cities is my way of sharing this gratitude—and giving back the kindness that was given to me.
The Kindness that inspired her
She remembered the many small acts of generosity she received while fleeing Ukraine—like a family in Poland who welcomed them into their home for a warm meal, a shower, and a safe night’s rest.
She quoted a line from Harry Potter that had stayed with her: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. To me, that light is the kindness of people who come your way.”
Anna helped recruit adult volunteers to meet the growing demand from displaced children. She now leads a patrol of 11–12-year-olds, and a Cub Scout patrol for younger siblings. They meet weekly at the Scout centre to play games, draw, learn Scouting concepts through creative activities and most importantly to simply feel safe.
We reached out to psychologists early on to make sure our approach supported the children’s wellbeing. Many of us could relate to their experiences, but we focused on creating a place where they could just be children again.
A safe space for children
Feedback from the children affirmed their work. “One girl said to me: ‘Everything was new here and I felt alone. But when I came to Scouting, I felt like I found a family. It makes me feel alive.’ That lit up my heart. This is the light and happiness I want them to feel during their darkest times.”
Looking ahead
For Anna and her fellow leaders prepared for the warmer seasons, eager to resume outdoor Scouting activities. Despite the uncertainty, their focus remained on creating safe, joyful spaces where children can grow, connect, and heal. “We can only hope for better weather—and no more warning sirens.”
About the author
The Knowledge Network – Staff member
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