Emergency fund for Ukraine: 45,000 people need us

Throughout 2022, Aldeas Infantiles SOS supported children and families at risk affected by conflicts, natural disasters, or migrations in 31 countries. In total, the organization assisted 1,123,200 people in Africa, 8,100 in the Americas, 89,600 in Asia and Oceania, and 165,500 in Europe through 61 Emergency Response Programs. The main objectives of these programs are child protection, family reunification, and psychological and social support.

Having a presence in 138 countries allows Aldeas Infantiles SOS to respond swiftly to any catastrophe, natural disaster, or armed conflict to protect children and ensure the unity of families. The organization also trains its professionals to anticipate potential emergencies and provide a prompt and effective response.

The goal is to provide the necessary humanitarian assistance in each context to protect the most vulnerable children, especially those who have been separated from their parents or are at risk of separation. To achieve this, their teams contribute to the reconstruction of homes and schools, provide food and essential items, and offer temporary shelters for children, families, and individuals. Additionally, they offer psychosocial and mental health support services.

This work is complemented by a long-term presence once the emergency has passed. "Children need special protection and support before, during, and after emergencies. That's why, at Aldeas, we know that humanitarian action after a disaster is not enough, and we must continue to support these children and their families until they overcome their difficulties," say those at Aldeas Infantiles SOS.

Since Russia declared war on Ukraine, nearly 3,000 schools have been attacked, 420 of them reduced to rubble. A situation that has only worsened since the conflict broke out more than a year ago.

Schools are no longer safe places to continue their education. Since the conflict began, educational institutions have become the target of attacks. The few that try to continue with their classroom activity suffer daily blackouts, power and gas cuts, sounds of anti-aircraft alarms, and on some occasions, they must take shelter to try to keep their lives safe. Other teachers teach their classes online, but damage to the country's entire electrical grid often hinders their operation.

Conveying a sense of normalcy to young children has become a priority. Parents and teachers are joining forces to try to maintain a minimal link to what was their previous day-to-day life. However, this is now a most distressing reality for parents, having to go to pick up their children every time the sirens are activated for possible Russian air strikes. But staying at home is no guarantee of safety either.

Last January, the United Nations launched an appeal to the entire international community to try to help and continue to guarantee the education of Ukrainian children. For as UNICEF's regional director for Europe and Central Asia, Afshan Khan, pointed out, "schools for children provide a crucial sense of structure and security for children. Missing out on learning will have lifelong effects."