Emergency fund for Ukraine: 45,000 people need us

by Aldeas Infantiles SOS de Espana ( SOS Childrens Villages of Spain )

Project Report | Apr 7, 2026
Peace Begins with Words

By Michelle Simon | Project Leader

In a global context marked by conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, talking about peace may seem distant or even unattainable. However, peace is not only a goal between nations—it is also built through everyday gestures, in how we resolve disagreements, and in the words we choose to express ourselves.

What children hear daily at home or at school becomes even more important in times of crisis. These messages shape how they understand the world, how they relate to others, and how they build their self-esteem. In an environment where violence dominates the headlines, teaching Nonviolent Communication (NVC) becomes an essential tool to raise more empathetic generations capable of resolving conflicts without aggression.

What is Nonviolent Communication?

The concept of Nonviolent Communication was developed by American psychologist Marshall Rosenberg (1934–2025). It is an approach that seeks to connect with others through respect, empathy, assertiveness, and active listening. It is not about avoiding conflict, but about expressing it without harming others and finding solutions that meet everyone’s needs.

Rosenberg stated that “violence is the tragic expression of unmet needs.” In today’s context, this idea becomes especially meaningful: behind many conflicts—both global and personal—there are needs that have not been heard or addressed.

NVC plays a key role because it:

Strengthens children’s self-esteem by validating their emotions
Models healthy relationships, as children replicate what they observe
Encourages peaceful conflict resolution by offering alternatives to shouting or imposing

NVC in everyday life

Amid uncertainty and constant exposure to news about war, emotions can intensify at home. That is why the way we speak to children matters more than ever.

Small changes in language can make a big difference:

Instead of “stop crying, it’s not a big deal,” say: “I see you’re sad, I understand it’s hard. I’m here if you want to talk.”
With homework struggles: “I see it’s hard to focus today—shall we try together for a bit and then take a break?”
When they make a mistake: “We all make mistakes. Do you want to try again?”
In conflicts: “I understand you’re angry… but we can’t solve it by hitting. Let’s find another way.”
When rules aren’t followed: “Today you didn’t follow what we agreed on. What can we do better next time?”

3 keys to practicing NVC

Adopting NVC doesn’t mean removing limits, but setting them with respect:

Validate emotions
Express clear needs
Use positive reinforcement

Language does more than communicate ideas—it shapes identity. In times of war, when children may feel uncertain or overwhelmed, words carry even greater weight.

A child who grows up hearing “I trust you,” “you can count on me,” or “you can try again” will develop stronger emotional tools to face a complex world—and to help build peace from their immediate environment.

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Dec 16, 2025
SOS Children's Villages in Humanitarian Crises

By Michelle Simon | Project Leader

For the past 25 years, we have been driving international cooperation and humanitarian response programs to protect the rights of children.

Crises, armed conflicts, natural disasters… World Humanitarian Day reminds us of the importance and necessity of protecting the lives of those affected by such events. At SOS Children’s Villages, we are fully aware of this reality. That is why, for the past 25 years, we have been implementing international cooperation and humanitarian response programs in partnership with local counterparts, public authorities, and other allies.

What is our purpose?
We aim to guarantee the rights of children and young people in situations of extreme vulnerability, promoting their overall well-being and contributing to the development of more resilient and sustainable communities.

Specifically, in 2024 we are working in eight countries across Latin America and Africa, supporting over 29,500 children, adolescents, and young people through programs ranging from emergency response to family and community strengthening. Our priority has been to support families living in highly vulnerable contexts, providing comprehensive assistance to help them build a future with greater opportunities.

Building resilience

Humanitarian assistance goes beyond immediate response; it also involves working towards long-term solutions. That is why we promote the strengthening of families and communities as a key strategy to prevent the loss of parental care and reduce risk factors affecting children.

Key actions include:

Parental skill development, supporting families to provide positive and protective parenting.
Training and employability, fostering economic independence through vocational training and support for productive initiatives.
Empowerment of women and youth, with specific programs in rural areas promoting gender equality and active community participation.
Community support networks, which reinforce social cohesion and contribute to creating protective environments for children.

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Aug 28, 2025
SOS Children's Villages in Humanitarian Crises

By Michelle Simon | Project Leader

For the past 25 years, we have promoted international cooperation and humanitarian response programs to safeguard children’s rights.

Crises, armed conflicts, natural disasters… World Humanitarian Day reminds us of the importance and necessity of protecting the lives of people who suffer the consequences of such events. At SOS Children’s Villages, we are fully aware of this reality. For the past 25 years, we have promoted international cooperation and humanitarian response programs together with our local partners, public administrations, and other allies.

But what is our purpose? We aim to guarantee the rights of children and young people in situations of particular vulnerability, promoting their holistic well-being and contributing to the building of more resilient and sustainable communities.

In 2024, we worked in eight countries across Latin America and Africa, reaching more than 29,500 children, adolescents, and youth through programs ranging from emergency response to family and community strengthening. Our priority was to support families living in highly vulnerable contexts, providing them with comprehensive assistance so they can build a future with greater opportunities.

Comprehensive support in emergency contexts

Humanitarian emergencies have a devastating impact on children. On September 8, 2023, Morocco suffered a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter in the High Atlas mountains, about 71 km from Marrakech. The Marrakech-Safi and Souss-Massa regions were severely affected, compromising the safety and well-being of more than 6.6 million people, including 100,000 children. Homes, schools, and hospitals collapsed, leaving thousands of families without safe shelter. In response, SOS Children’s Villages Morocco launched a 24-month Humanitarian Response Plan.

This was not the only one. In these contexts, SOS Children’s Villages deploys rapid and sustainable responses that include:

Psychosocial support for children and families affected by trauma related to violence or forced displacement.
Coverage of basic needs such as food, shelter, and access to safe drinking water.
Child protection and violence prevention, ensuring safe environments for children and youth without parental care or at risk of losing it.
Access to education and academic support, to avoid school interruptions and provide safe learning spaces.

Building resilience

Humanitarian assistance goes beyond immediate response: it also means working toward lasting solutions. That is why we promote family and community strengthening as an essential strategy to prevent the loss of parental care and reduce the risk factors affecting children.

Some of our key actions include:

Parenting skills development, supporting families in practicing positive and protective parenting.
Training and employability, fostering economic autonomy through vocational training and support for productive initiatives.
Empowerment of women and youth, with specific programs in rural areas that promote gender equality and active community participation.
Creation of community support networks, strengthening social cohesion and contributing to the development of protective environments for children.

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