By Yana Kryshtal | ommunications manager
Creating Safe Spaces for Children Near the Frontline in Kharkiv Region
In the Kharkiv region, close to the frontline where explosions can be heard almost daily, we have created a small island of safety for children. Together with local residents, the team of SpivDiia for Children transformed an abandoned basement of a local library into a safe and welcoming space where children can learn, play, and feel protected.
Just a few months ago, this space was an empty shelter. Volunteers and coordinators brought light, carpets, furniture, toys, and learning materials, while the local librarian contributed books and small treats. Today, this space has become much more than a shelter — it is a place where children can experience moments of normal childhood again.
Due to the proximity to the frontline, local schools remain closed, and children have been studying online for a long time. Previously, they were transported to schools in a nearby town, but this is no longer possible due to safety risks. For the first time in years, children can meet offline, spend time together, and participate in creative and educational activities.
Sessions led by mentors and psychologists from SpivDiia help children restore emotional balance, cope with anxiety, and adapt to the constant stress of war. Parents share their gratitude in community chats, knowing their children are not only safe but also supported.
For this community, where everyday joys of childhood have become a rarity, this shelter has become a vital lifeline. It shows that even in the darkest times, it is possible to create light, resilience, and hope.
Today, SpivDiia for Children operates in dozens of communities across Ukraine — in schools, community hubs, and temporary shelters. In the Kharkiv region alone, 24 teams are active, with 15 more in the Sumy region. Safe spaces also operate in Cherkasy, Lutsk, Zhytomyr, and Zaporizhzhia. Everywhere, these are places where children do not have to meet expectations — they can simply be themselves. At the same time, parents receive practical guidance, psychological support, and reassurance that they are not alone.
With gratitude,
The SpivDiia for Children Team
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By Oleksandra Andreieva | Partnership Manager
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