Psychosocial support for children and young people affected by war

Situation:
The war that began in Ukraine in 2022 places tremendous strain on children and young people: destroyed social infrastructure, limited access to education, high psychological stress and instability within families. Countless children are unable to go to school or can only learn online and a great many have experienced trauma. Especially internally displaced children need intensive support.

Goals:
The resilience and self-efficacy of war-traumatized children and adolescents and their families are to be strengthened through a comprehensive range of educational and psychosocial measures at five centres for children and young people. The program will include educational and recreational activities, individual and group psychosocial support, group activities such as excursions and camps as well as targeted support for parents. Professionals will also be trained, learning materials and furniture provided, and the costs for supervision, project staffing and essential organizational and administrative expenses covered. The aim is to enable children to access age-appropriate education again, help restore emotional stability and ease their integration into new homes and school environments. Parents/caregivers will be empowered to support their children during periods of acute stress and project staff will be taught the skills needed to provide professional educational and psychological support even in wartime conditions.

Target group(s):
A total of 750 vulnerable children and young people between the ages of 7 and 17 will be supported, of whom around 40% are internally displaced persons. In addition, 150 parents/caregivers will receive assistance and be empowered in their role.

Planned measures:
The local partner, Caritas Ukraine, operates centres where children and young people affected by war and their parents are supported. In addition to day care, informal educational and recreational activities, life skill courses and psychosocial support are offered.

The Redel Foundation is supporting the project with €90,000.

Impressions