Honouring Every Child’s Right to a Future
November 20 is National Child Day in Canada. It is a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the rights of every child. This year’s theme focuses on Article 30 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms each child’s right to practise their culture, language, and identity.
For Ukrainian children, these rights are under threat. Russia’s invasion has forced thousands from their homes, separated families, and exposed children to profound trauma. CUF’s Every Child Deserves a Future supports programs that help children regain safety, connection, and stability. Through our partnership with Save Ukraine, children are rescued from Russian captivity and provided rehabilitation services to help them heal and reclaim their identity.
Your support funds these rescue operations and essential programs that give Ukrainian children their future back.
Today, we are pleased to highlight CLEAR SKY, a thoughtful artistic tribute created by two Montreal artists: dancer and choreographer Tetyana Martyanova-Zyla, a demi-soloist with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and Paul Merkelo, international solo artist and Principal Trumpet of l’Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal. Their short video, set to Myroslav Skoryk’s Melody, portrays the tenderness of childhood and a mother’s instinct to protect.
As we mark National Child Day, we invite you to reflect on the rights outlined in the UNCRC and support Ukrainian children whose futures depend on care, protection, and cultural continuity.
Support the Every Child Deserves a Future initiative
CLEAR SKY
Tetyana Martyanova-Zyla, dancer and choreographer
Paul Merkelo, trumpet
“Melody” by Myroslav Skoryk (arr. Jeffrey Fong)
With: Serhiy Salov, piano
Sahara von Hattenberger, cello
Kailani Martyanova-Zyla, little girl
Patrick Péris, filmmaker
Katherine Palyga, production
Filmed at the Old Port of Montreal
About the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF)
Founded in 1995, CUF has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in the areas of healthcare, education and civil society. CUF collaborates with aid providers in Ukraine, Canada, and beyond to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness of your support.