Today at 14:05
UATV English presenter and journalist Hennadii Kurkin (Henry Keen) has received a certificate of appreciation from the Ukrainian NGO FutureLab Ukraine for his English-language documentary Ukrainian Orphans Who Survived the Occupation, which tells the story of children from an orphanage in Stara Basan, Kyiv region, who endured Russia’s occupation during the full-scale invasion.
FutureLab Ukraine recognized Kurkin for his professionalism and dedication in bringing the experiences of Ukrainian children affected by the war to an international audience. The organization said his reporting has helped ensure that stories of children who survived Russian occupation are heard far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
“Today we had the honor of presenting a certificate of appreciation to our friend Hennadii Kurkin, a journalist who helps the world see the truth about the war in Ukraine. Thanks to his reports, the stories of Ukrainian children who survived the Russian occupation have become known far beyond the borders of our country,” FutureLab Ukraine said.
The documentary follows children who had already lost parental care before Russia’s full-scale invasion and were later forced to survive occupation, shelling, and the trauma of war. It also highlights the work of FutureLab Ukraine, Ukraine’s juvenile police, and Danish volunteers who support children through humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation, and educational initiatives. Beyond documenting Russia’s crimes against Ukrainian children, the film showcases international cooperation aimed at helping young survivors rebuild their lives.
The award was presented during events marking Ukraine’s Juvenile Prevention Day by Yana Tsymbal, Head of the Juvenile Prevention Department of Kyiv’s National Police, and FutureLab Ukraine co-founder Tetiana Haliuk. Representatives of Kyiv’s juvenile police were also recognized for their long-standing work protecting children.
FutureLab Ukraine also praised Kurkin’s personal commitment to Ukraine, noting his decision to relocate from Latvia, learn the Ukrainian language, and dedicate his journalistic career to covering events in the country.
Accepting the recognition, Kurkin said the award primarily belongs to the children whose courage made the documentary possible.
“For me, it is a great honor to receive this recognition. But above all, it is a tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian children who survived occupation and found the strength to share their stories. As a journalist, my role is simply to help ensure that the world hears them.”
FutureLab Ukraine is a Ukrainian non-governmental organization that supports children affected by war through humanitarian, educational, and child protection initiatives implemented together with Ukrainian and international partners.
