Support for Children in Ukraine

Children in conflict zones are among the most vulnerable populations, often facing severe psychological, social, and educational disruptions. Providing targeted support during emergencies is crucial for their well-being, helping them cope with trauma, maintain a sense of normalcy, and develop resilience. Caritas has focused on addressing the growing needs of children in Ukraine affected by the war, ensuring they have access to vital services such as psychosocial support, education, and safe spaces.

Here are some key achievements of Caritas’ support for children in Ukraine:

• Serving More Children: Given the increased humanitarian needs, Caritas also expanded its support for children in Ukraine. Since 2023 over 26,000 children have benefited from psychosocial assistance, learning spaces, and child-friendly activities provided by Caritas. Additionally, our colleagues supported 26 Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) and Children’s Centers where children can safely play, learn, and receive psychosocial support to help them cope with the impacts of the war. They also meet friends here in a safe surroundings and can just be kids again for a few hours.
• Psychosocial Support: Our psychosocial support programs, initially launched in Eastern Ukraine in 2016, have also expanded despite the war. These programs help build resilience among children and provide teachers with tools to create a safe environment for their students. Relocation to safer regions has further allowed us to continue serving schoolchildren in challenging situations.
• Child Protection & Family Support: Many children continue to be placed in alternative care due to the ongoing crisis. Families facing hardship receive material aid, social counseling, and pedagogical support, improving their living conditions and children's academic success.
• Expanding CFS Activities: Our CFS teams, consisting of coordinators, psychologists, and teachers, provide a range of activities aimed at fostering children’s creativity, social skills, and emotional well-being. Workshops and counseling sessions have also enhanced parenting skills.
• Reaching Vulnerable Communities: Starting in 2023 already, we launched eight dedicated learning spaces for vulnerable children, including displaced persons, to ensure they can continue their education. Psychologists and CFS teams also conducted outreach to remote communities, increasing access to essential services.
• Building Capacity: In October 2023, a Child Protection expert evaluated our CFS activities to ensure alignment with global standards. This evaluation will guide upcoming capacity-building efforts for local teams on Child Protection and psychosocial support.

Links:

• Info of Caritas Austria support for Ukraine (GER)