Support for Children in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the lives of Ukrainian children, disrupting their education, shattering their sense of normalcy, and leaving them vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and mental health challenges. With around seven million internally displaced from their homes and many more witnessing the horrors of conflict, Ukrainian children have been robbed of their childhood innocence and forced to face an uncertain future. Together with our local partner organizations we continue to provide humanitarian assistance and psychosocial support to these vulnerable children, ensuring they have access to education, healthcare, and protection, as they strive to rebuild their lives amidst the ruins of war.

What does this support mean for children?

Olga (name changed to protect client’s privacy) is a first-grader from Berestovo, Donetsk region, who lives in the buffer zone. "Olga shouldn't have remembered the war, but the experience of being in the war zone was probably delayed in the subconscious," the girl's mother suggests. When the girl first came to Caritas, she was very shy, afraid of everything, unable to express her point of view, defend her position, or make friends with other children.

Sincerity, openness to communication, understanding, and joint meaningful activities - these are the factors that helped the Olga to establish new social connections and believe in themselves.

The safe room of Caritas is a place where childhood is the main value and love for children above all. Psychologists and social workers try to treat children with care, attention, and interest. The friendly atmosphere in the groups, the individual approach to Olga and the systematic implementation of the "Safe Space" methodology in the classroom, contributed to the fact that the girl was happy to participate in group work, communicate, and engage with other children.

"I didn't have any friends at school before, but now I have a lot of them. I learned how to get to know other children, learned to come up with games myself and play with others. I really like Caritas, it's fun and interesting here, we play, do different exercises and make friends, ” says Olga now.

At Caritas classes, children are encouraged to express their feelings, express their emotions, and express their thoughts. It is important for children, especially young ones, not to blame themselves for negative events, it is important to explain that they are not guilty of what is happening. An important role in stabilizing the condition and supporting the girl was played by adults: parents, teachers, Caritas employees. They calmed down, supported, were close to her – Olga’s success – the result of their joint efforts.

Caritas support continues

Caritas continues to work tirelessly to support the people of Ukraine, including its children. The organization's work is essential to helping those affected by the war to survive, heal, and rebuild their lives. To do so, Caritas in Ukraine is providing a wide range of supporting measures, including e. g.

• Caritas provides emergency food and water to displaced families. This helps to prevent malnutrition and ensures that children have access to the nutrients they need to grow and develop healthy.
• Caritas is setting up child-friendly spaces in shelters and camps. These spaces provide children with a safe and supportive environment where they can play, learn, and socialize.
• Caritas provides psychosocial support to children who have been traumatized by the war. This support helps children to cope with their experiences and develop coping mechanisms.

Links:

• Info of Caritas Austria support for Ukraine (GER)