Support for Children in Ukraine

Overview

The prolonged war in Ukraine continues to inflict severe hardship on millions, especially children. Displacement, trauma, loss of education, and disrupted social structures have put a whole generation at risk. In this challenging context, Caritas has remained steadfast in its mission to support and protect the most vulnerable. Thanks to your generous contributions, we have been able to significantly expand our services and positively impact the lives of tens of thousands of children.

Key Achievements to Date

Since 2023, Caritas has successfully implemented and scaled a broad range of interventions across Ukraine:

1. Psychosocial Support and Mental Health Services

• Over 26,000 children have received trauma-informed psychosocial care to support their emotional recovery.
• Mobile therapy units and local outreach teams have reached children in both urban and remote areas.
• More than 1,000 educators were trained in providing psychological first aid and building resilience in classrooms.

2. Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) and Education

• Caritas now operates 26 Child-Friendly Spaces and Children’s Centers offering a safe environment for children to learn, play, and heal.
• Eight dedicated learning spaces were created for vulnerable and displaced children, ensuring continued access to education despite disruptions.
• In partnership with local authorities, we have established 200 temporary learning centers equipped with digital tools and staffed with trained teachers.

3. Child Protection and Family Support

• Over 5,000 unaccompanied minors received safe shelter, legal assistance, and family reunification support.
• Families in crisis were provided with material aid, social counseling, and parenting workshops, leading to better living conditions and academic stability for children.

4. Basic Needs and Nutrition

• Caritas distributed food parcels to over 100,000 families, prioritizing children under five.
• Winter clothing and heating supplies were provided to 15,000 conflict-affected families, helping them survive harsh conditions.

5. Capacity Building and Quality Assurance

• In October 2023, a child protection expert conducted a formal evaluation of our CFS programs. These insights are now guiding ongoing improvements and team training across the country.

Why Support Matters

The needs remain immense, but the progress we have achieved together is real and meaningful. Every school kit distributed, every safe space created, and every therapy session provided represents a step toward healing and stability for Ukrainian children. Your donations directly enable these interventions—and without them, much of this work would not be possible.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on children, leaving millions vulnerable and in need of immediate assistance. In 2024, around 7.5 million children in Ukraine faced education, healthcare, and basic protection disruptions. The humanitarian crisis has not only caused physical displacement but also immense psychological trauma for young minds. Caritas remains committed to addressing these critical issues through targeted interventions aimed at improving the well-being of children across the country.

Current Situation of Children in Ukraine

The war has displaced over 4 million children within Ukraine and beyond its borders. Many families, especially in the East of Ukraine, are living in precarious conditions, with limited access to clean water, food, and shelter due to the ongoing aggression from Russia. Key statistics highlight the severity of the crisis:

• Education Disruption: Over 1,500 schools have been damaged or destroyed, affecting the education of nearly 5 million children. Remote learning remains a challenge due to power outages and lack of digital access.
• Psychological Impact: Mental health challenges among children have escalated, with an alarming rise in anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• Child Protection: Vulnerable children, including orphans and those separated from families, are at heightened risk of exploitation and trafficking.

Caritas Interventions and Achievements in 2024

Caritas has implemented a range of projects designed to address the immediate and long-term needs of children in Ukraine. Below are the key activities and outcomes:

Education Support:

• Distributed 50,000 school kits, including stationery and learning materials, to displaced children.
• Partnered with local authorities to establish 200 temporary learning centers equipped with digital tools and teacher training programs.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support:

• Reached 20,000 children with trauma-informed care through mobile therapy units.
• Conducted training sessions for 1,000 educators on identifying and supporting children with mental health challenges.

Child Protection Services:

• Supported 5,000 unaccompanied minors with safe shelter and legal assistance to reunite them with their families.
• Established child-friendly spaces in 15 regions, providing a secure environment for 10,000 children to play and learn.

Nutrition and Basic Needs:

• Delivered food parcels to over 100,000 families, ensuring nutritional needs are met for children under five.
• Provided winter clothing and heating supplies to 15,000 families in conflict-affected regions.

Stories of Impact

One of the children impacted by our programs is Lisa (name changed to protect clients privacy), a 10-year-old girl from Donetsk. After her family’s home was destroyed, Lisa spent months in displacement. Through our child-friendly spaces, she has regained a sense of normalcy, attending art therapy sessions and making new friends. Today, Lisa'S hope for a brighter future reflects the resilience of many children we support.

Conclusion

The children of Ukraine are at the heart of our mission. Through the ongoing and generous support of donors like you, we continue to provide critical interventions that offer hope and stability in the face of adversity. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for Ukraine’s youngest generation.

Links:

• Info of Caritas Austria support for Ukraine (GER)