As someone who's spent a lot of time with children who have little or no experience of parental love or family life, Valentyna knows what she's talking about.
A professional nurse, Valentyna worked at Mission Without Borders' summer camp for children living in Ukraine's institutions.
As the camp nurse, her task was to check on the children's health when they arrived, such as treating some of them for lice before joining the others. She tended to any health concerns throughout the camp – cold symptoms, stomach aches, and injuries. She was also responsible for checking that the children's rooms were in order and clean.
For some children at summer camp, Valentyna's First Aid station became a place they would visit daily. Not because they were unwell or hurt but because, in Valentyna, they found someone sympathetic, kind, and understanding. Each young visitor receives her full attention and interest, and they find it easy to open up to her and share their troubles and thoughts.
She said, "When children come to me, I usually ask some simple questions. These questions often lead to open and heartbreaking conversations and the start of a new friendship.
"I understand that kids urgently need to be heard. They need to feel that someone cares. Some children desperately need that close relationship as they can't openly show their inner scars, fears, or insecurities."