Mazal Tov JCC, Zaparozhye, Ukraine

The "Lend a Helping Hand" project will provide professional education and training for specialists and social workers supporting children with special needs in Zaparozhye.

It aims to share the Jewish community's expertise with the wider community and to socialise children living in orphanages and boarding schools and help them adapt to life outside these 'closed' societies.

Over 2,000 children will be supported from a number of institutions and around 300 professionals working in state institutions will receive training.

It will include informal education for children and staff, creative classes and social events for children.