Ukraine
War in the Ukraine
Protection of children on the run
The war in Ukraine is the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe. 14.6 million are in need of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine, while 6,5 million people left the country and became refugees. Out of these, half of them are children.
Children are affected in multiple ways, including death, injury, disruption of education due to destruction of schools, and a lack of access to health care and mental health care due to disruption of health services, as well as basic needs such as access to water, food, medication and sanitation.
Ukraine
The intense fear experienced by children will have a long-term detrimental impact on children’s mental health.
That is why many of them have left Ukraine to seek safety in other countries, like Poland, Romania, Moldova and others. However, displaced children also face other risks, such as trafficking, violence, exploitation, and abuse, with girls and unaccompanied children being the most vulnerable.
Our work in Ukraine
We joined the Giro555 campaign to support the people affected by the war. We implement projects in Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary.
The conflict compounded widespread destruction of essential services, including houses, hospitals, schools and water, gas and power systems are repeatedly hit.
Basic Needs
One of our approaches is to make sure children and families fulfil their immediate survival rights. This means we provide food, hygiene and other non-food items, such as clothing, toys and school supplies. In Ukraine, schools were rehabilitated, so that children could go back to school.
Families also received vouchers for food, so that they could choose what was best for them, but also vouchers for medicines. Pregnant women and children were referred to health services available in the region.
And we also supported them in finding accommodation and with legal aid.
Mental Health and Social Well-Being
In order to ensure children enjoy good physical and mental health and social well-being in sustainable environments, children and caregivers were also to access mental health and psychosocial support.
One of the activities was Team Up, a movement-based group activities where children play, move and have body awareness. It helps them deal with anger, stress and interact with peers.
In Poland, a breakfast for Polish and Ukrainian mothers and children were organised, where they could interact and share experiences. While in Romania, art therapy and workshops for children were done where they could show their talents and passions, for example playing instruments, dancing, or practising sports.
Children Telling Stories
Children Telling Stories is a psychosocial intervention where children are given cameras to creatively express themselves. Their photographs are then used for the children to tell a story. It is designed to be used by child protection practitioners and those working with children in various settings.
Partners
We work together with CNPAC, War Child and Child Helpline International and with the following local organisations:
- Empowering Children Foundation
- Lumos Moldova
- AO PRIMA
- Association of Psychologists
- Hope and Homes
- Alternative Sociale