Early Learning for Vulnerable Children in Ukraine

Hi everyone! We are excited to share project updates with you.

142 children, including IDPs, received day care services for first half of the 2024.

Main elements:

•  Day care and education in the Early Development and Creativity Centers "Smile", "Happy Palms", "Sunrise".
•  Care for children that includes play, learning and creative activities to support their early development.
•  Creating a supportive and safe social environment for children.
•  Children are provided with three balanced meals a day.
•  Providing support in solving family problems, Positive Parenting Program.
•  Special services for families: Providing food and hygiene assistance to families in difficult situations, as well as additional legal, psychological and educational services.

Many displaced families need the services of our centers, since access to municipal kindergartens for them is now very limited. While parents are busy looking for housing, work and restoring documents, children are under supervision, having the opportunity to spend time in a fun, active and beneficial for their mental and physical health way.

It is important that these children feel comfortable and calm in their new environment, that they are able to overcome their fears and anxieties, and that they are able to find happiness after prolonged stress and tension. 

• Sensory Integration Training and Neurogymnastics: Children practice on an obstacle course with massage mats and soft blocks, play with sensory mats and stockings. Teachers use sand therapy and other therapies to develop fine and gross motor skills, tactile sensations and spatial orientation. The Foundation purchased specialized equipment and games for these classes.
• Creative DIY activities: Making toys, appliqués and decorations stimulates children's creativity, develops imagination and motor skills, and builds self-esteem and confidence. Children work with a variety of materials and tools, bring their ideas to life and enjoy creating something of their own.
• Pottery Classes: Each week in the pottery workshop, an ordinary piece of clay is transformed into a work of art in the hands of the children.

Positive dynamics were observed in children's centers. Most of the children showed positive emotional and social development. 

We are grateful to you for supporting the project and for reading our reports. This is very important for us! Stay with us!