Bolton, 10-year-old, boy travels to Poland to support Ukraine

Milan Paul Kumar, is currently in Poland meeting children and refugees from Ukraine who have crossed the Polish border.

Milan said last year he donated his pocket money to help a Ukrainian appeal and this year he is now with refugees to support them as the one year anniversary of the invasion approaches.

He said: “Last year I washed cars with Greater Manchester Fire Service and donated my pocket money to First News Ukraine Schools Appeal.

“A year has passed, I wanted to do more for Ukraine and for them to know they still have our support.”

Milan in his #iwill Ambassador t-shirt (Image: Daxa Kumar)

As a Diana Award 2022 Recipient and 2022 #iwill Ambassador for social and humanitarian action, Milan asked his parents to arrange a visit to Poland to help support Ukrainian children.

Milan started his humanitarian journey at the Ukrainian Centre in Bolton and is thankful to Tesco staff and the National Literacy Trust, along with authors, who donated a large amount of stationery and books to take to Poland as well as Trailfinders and Jet2Airways who arranged for an extra luggage allowance.

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Milan was invited for his efforts to the consulate by Wiaczeslaw Wojnarowskyj, General Consulate of Ukraine in Krakow.  

Milan said: "It was an honour and privilege to meet with Wiaczeslaw Wojnarowskyj in Krakow.

“The whole world #StandwithUkraine.

“Ukrainian children have resilience that I admire. 

“Imagine having to flee your home, country, leave everything behind and in most cases your dads and brothers."

Milan with his suitcases in the airport (Image: Daxa Kumar)

During his visit, Milan has visited a newly built school for Ukrainian children.

He visited classrooms, interacted with Ukrainian women and children, read books and handed out the donated stationery and books which was gratefully received. 

"Most importantly I made lots of new Ukrainian friends who I will visit again," Milan said.

Daxa Kumar, Milan's mum, said: " Our support means so much to the Ukrainian people who one day soon hope to rebuild Ukraine."

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.