A Safe Space to Learn and Play in Ukraine
UNICEF-supported child-friendly hubs offer children in Ukraine a chance to play together, decompress and feel a much-needed sense of normalcy.
Every child needs a safe place to play
As the war in Ukraine continues to disrupt children’s lives, opportunities to learn, play and spend time with friends remain limited in many frontline communities.
UNICEF child-friendly hubs offer children a safe and supportive place to gather with peers and just be kids for a while. Through activities led by psychologists and social workers, children receive emotional support and build confidence.
For 11-year-old Yaroslav, the best part of going to the UNICEF child-friendly hub in Barvinkove, Kharkiv region, is making new friends. Sofia, 16, says the hub has made her feel more open and self-assured.
Video: Creating spaces where every child is welcome
UNICEF child-friendly spaces offer protection and comfort wherever children are caught in a crisis
Since the escalation of full-scale war in Ukraine in February 2022, providing comfortable, nurturing spaces for children and adolescents— sometimes in subway stations and heated tents — has been a key component of UNICEF's emergency response.
Playing together and making art and music brings joy and creates a reassuring sense of normalcy, relieving stress and anxiety. The spaces also act as referral centers where children and families can be connected with health care, counseling and other essential services.
UNICEF works with partners to establish child-friendly spaces wherever children in emergency settings need a place where they can get back to being kids.
Learn more about how UNICEF continues to deliver for children in Ukraine
HOW TO HELP
There are many ways to make a difference
War, famine, poverty, natural disasters — threats to the world's children keep coming. But UNICEF won't stop working to keep children healthy and safe.
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories — more places than any other children's organization. UNICEF has the world's largest humanitarian warehouse and, when disaster strikes, can get supplies almost anywhere within 72 hours. Constantly innovating, always advocating for a better world for children, UNICEF works to ensure that every child can grow up healthy, educated, protected and respected.
Would you like to help give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential? There are many ways to get involved.
