Solutions from Ukraine: NGO “Zroshchuy Suspilstvo” launches program to support IDP children’s socialization and adaptation in new homes

The non-profit organization "Zroshchuy Suspilstvo" will launch a program to help children from families displaced within the country socialize and adapt. This three-month interactive course is for children between the ages of 6 and 9 who require assistance in adjusting to a new city.

The Village reports this.

What is the problem?

For nearly a decade, Ukraine has been embroiled in a war, with some parts of the country being temporarily occupied and others being actively fought over. Beginning in 2014, Ukrainian citizens, including children from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, as well as of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety and protection.

Since February 24, 2022, when hostilities intensified and martial law was declared, the displacement of citizens has become more widespread and significant.

According to data from the state enterprise "Information and Computing Center of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine," the total number of registered internally displaced persons as of 2023 is 4,892,444, including 1,071,668 children under 18 years old, 403 unaccompanied children, 1,233 children under the care of the state due to being deprived of parental rights, 7,863 children with disabilities, and 766 orphans.

Children from IDP families face high levels of stress and difficulties adjusting to a new environment, made even more challenging by ongoing full-scale war.

What is the solution?

The project involves close cooperation with specialized psychologists who will help children overcome fears and triggers. Within the program's framework, 1,150 classes in an interactive game format are planned, which will contribute to children's adequate socialization and adaptation.

The program starts simultaneously in eight cities of Ukraine, including:

• Kyiv;
• Zhytomyr;
• Khmelnytskyi;
• Kryvyi Rih;
• Rivne;
• Dnipro;
• Cherkasy;
• Ternopil.

How does it work?

The classes will start at the end of May, and children from IDP families can complete the entire program or join individual activities at the parents' choice.

Free classes include:

• English,
• developmental classes,
• master classes,
• art therapy.

Experts dedicated to improving the lives of children will work in every city involved in the project.

"It's not easy in the conditions of a full-scale war, but it is possible if we make an effort. In an interactive, game format, we will help the little ones to return to a full-fledged childhood," the organizers of the project note.

How to participate?

To register for the program, one needs to fill out the form using the link.

The project was made possible through the United for Action program, which was carried out by IREX with funding from the US State Department.