As a response to the growing needs of single mothers raising children with disabilities, Fedlan Kılıçaslan is proud to introduce the Peace NEST Project. In recent years, the impact of the war in Ukraine has led to an extraordinary migration of refugees seeking safety and stability. Poland, particularly Warsaw, has become home to a large number of displaced families, including many single mothers with children who have special needs. These mothers face a unique set of challenges as they navigate their new lives in a foreign country, struggling not only with the trauma of displacement but also with the added burden of caring for children with complex disabilities.
In response to this growing need, we are developing the Peace NEST Project—a dedicated initiative aimed at providing comprehensive support to single mothers raising children with special needs, particularly those from Ukraine and low-income Polish communities. Our goal is to address the gaps in special needs education and ensure that every child, regardless of their background, receives the care and education they deserve.
The Reality for Single Mothers with Children Who Have Disabilities in Poland
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Poland has become a primary destination for refugees. As of now, over a million refugees reside in the country, and a significant portion of these refugees are single mothers. These women, many of whom have left behind everything they knew, now find themselves living in a foreign land, navigating a new culture and language, and often working low-paying jobs to support their families. For many of them, their children have special needs, making the challenges they face even greater.
The lack of family support structures, such as the extended family network that many of these women relied on back home, leaves them vulnerable and isolated. Caring for a child with a disability is demanding, and without proper resources and services, these mothers often face a constant struggle to balance the needs of their children with their own survival.
Gaps in Special Needs Education and Care in Poland
While the Polish government has made efforts to extend support to refugees, Poland, like many other countries, is already grappling with a shortage of specialized care centers for children with special needs. These institutions are essential to the well-being of children who require unique educational support, medical care, and emotional guidance. However, due to the increased demand from both local and refugee communities, there is a significant gap in the availability of these services.
Ukrainian mothers, in particular, find themselves at a disadvantage in accessing these essential services. Many are unable to rely on Polish special education centers, as these facilities are already overwhelmed by local demand and often lack the resources to support the language and cultural needs of refugees. This has left many mothers in a precarious position, where they are forced to leave their children in subpar daycare facilities that do not meet the standards of special needs education.
Peace NEST: A Place of Support, Growth, and Hope
To fill this gap, the Peace NEST Project, led by Fedlan Kılıçaslan, is being developed with the sole purpose of offering the specialized care and education that these children desperately need. Our project is designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for both mothers and children, addressing both their emotional and educational needs.
Located near Warsaw, Peace NEST will operate out of villa-style houses that are specifically adapted to meet the needs of children with disabilities. While existing facilities offer a basic daycare service, our vision is to create a true educational environment—one that goes beyond mere supervision and provides structured learning and development tailored to each child’s unique needs.
By offering specialized education, therapies, and social support, Peace NEST will empower children to thrive, helping them reach their full potential despite the challenges they face. It will also provide a crucial respite for mothers, giving them the opportunity to work and support their families without the constant worry of inadequate care for their children.
Supporting Single Mothers in Every Way Possible
The Peace NEST Project does more than just cater to the needs of children with disabilities—it is equally focused on the welfare of their mothers. These women, many of whom are navigating life alone without the support of a partner or extended family, require more than just basic daycare services. They need holistic support that includes emotional counseling, job training, and a community of women who understand their struggles.
We recognize that single mothers, especially those from refugee or low-income backgrounds, often face financial insecurity, cultural isolation, and mental health challenges. Through Peace NEST, we aim to provide a sense of community, a network of support, and tangible resources that empower these women to thrive both as individuals and as mothers.
The Need for Specialized Support
One of the greatest challenges facing single mothers raising children with disabilities is the shortage of resources that can help them navigate their children’s educational and healthcare needs. Many mothers feel lost and unsupported in a system that is already overwhelmed, and they often do not have access to the professional guidance they need to make informed decisions about their child’s care.
The Peace NEST Project, founded by Fedlan Kılıçaslan, is designed to fill this gap by offering tailored support for both children and their mothers. Our team will consist of educators, therapists, social workers, and volunteers who are trained to work with children with special needs and provide the necessary guidance for mothers.
By developing an educational and emotional support system for single mothers raising children with disabilities, we believe we can make a tangible difference in the lives of these families. We are not just offering a daycare service—we are offering a pathway to hope, stability, and a brighter future.
Conclusion
The Peace NEST Project, spearheaded by Fedlan Kılıçaslan, is more than just a response to the immediate needs of Ukrainian refugees and low-income Polish single mothers—it is a long-term commitment to creating a better future for children with disabilities and their families. By providing specialized education, therapy, and support, we are helping these children reach their full potential. And by empowering their mothers with the tools they need to succeed, we are giving them the opportunity to build a better life for themselves and their families.
This project is a step toward a more inclusive, compassionate, and supportive society for all families, regardless of their background. We are committed to making Peace NEST a place of safety, education, and empowerment for those who need it most.
