Ukraine
Promoting the mental health of children affected by war
The development of Ukrainian children is currently taking place against a backdrop of constant threats to their physical safety, psychological stress, and information overload. Daily exposure to shelling and bombing, air raid sirens, attacks, and much more has a massive impact on children’s development. As a result, trauma is not uncommon. Through the “Healing Forest” methodology, we are committed to minimizing the risk of mental illness among children in Ukraine and thereby improving their future prospects.
Background
It is not only since the escalation of the war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022 that vulnerable people, in particular, have been suffering from the consequences of the armed conflict. Since 2014, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of war in eastern Ukraine, the attention of international and Ukrainian organizations has been focused on the most vulnerable population groups, who are hardest hit by the consequences of hostilities: children, women, and the elderly.
In general, children in times of war experience two types of traumatic events: (1) unexpected traumatic events and (2) long-term negative events that lead to counterproductive coping strategies. As a result, children currently affected in Ukraine suffer from anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues much more frequently than their peers who are not growing up in a war zone.
Given the stressful situation in Ukraine, the need for psychological support far exceeds the capacity of existing facilities. There is a particular shortage of trained staff, effective working methods, and comprehensive programs to reach and support all affected children and adolescents. This is because existing support services are primarily aimed at adults. Due to the severity of the situations they must cope with, trained professionals often need psychological support themselves. The fact that school instruction is largely taking place online due to the current situation in the country presents further challenges. Children with disabilities, as well as children from displaced families and those in rural regions, are particularly hard hit by this. Services aimed at preventing and addressing the psychological effects of war are essential for them.
In Ukraine, we are committed to ensuring that children affected by the war receive direct psychological support.
In Ukraine, we are committed to supporting children traumatized by war and promoting their mental health so that they can seize opportunities for their future. To this end, we are establishing an innovative training program for early childhood educators and teachers in preschool and elementary schools, designed to raise their awareness and equip them with the skills needed to work with children affected by war. This helps minimize the risk of long-term mental health issues and behavioral disorders in children.
To achieve this, we are utilizing the “Healing Forest” methodology, which has already been successfully implemented in Israel. This approach uses nature as a therapeutic tool to alleviate post-traumatic symptoms. As a result, the topic of trauma management is being integrated into the curriculum at 200 schools. Through various sessions and nature-based activities, affected children are supported in building resilience and developing greater self-confidence. This empowers them to cope with daily challenges and reduce their fears. In particular, we provide sustainable support to socially disadvantaged and internally displaced children and their families, helping them find their place in society.
To ensure our support is targeted and effective, we collaborate with a network of local partner organizations. Through our commitment, we support over 10,000 children in effectively addressing psychosocial difficulties in the long term.
Häufig gefragt
What does ChildFund Germany stand for, and what is the goal of its work?
Our goal is to bring about lasting improvements in the future prospects of children in need, their families, and their entire communities. Through our commitment to these children and families, we aim to make a positive difference and create lasting improvements, always guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This enables them to exercise their rights, overcome poverty and dependency, and lead independent and self-determined lives.
How can I be sure that my donation actually reaches its destination?
The efficient use of the donations entrusted to us is our top priority. To ensure that our aid is used in a highly targeted manner, we rely on close collaboration with local partner organizations in all the countries where we operate, so that our assistance meets the specific needs on the ground. Furthermore, all our support is guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This ensures that the people in our projects benefit from long-term and lasting changes and, in the long run, no longer depend on aid but can live independently and self-determinedly. Our transparent and responsible handling of donations is also confirmed by the DZI Donation Seal, which we have been awarded continuously since 1995 by the German Central Institute for Social Issues.
How does ChildFund Germany work?
Our work is made possible by three sources of funding: sponsorships, other donations, and public funds. Our projects funded by sponsorships are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.
The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.
In all projects, ChildFund plays two specific roles: First, raising funds so that the project work can be implemented at all. And second, bringing together and building bridges between those who provide money and expertise and those who lack these resources. The goal is to maximize mutual benefit from the collaboration and to advance our projects in the most effective way possible.
What kinds of projects does ChildFund Germany carry out?
Our projects, which are funded through sponsorships, are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.
The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.
What regions and issues does ChildFund Germany focus on?
We operate in various countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Our work focuses primarily on education, nutrition, livelihood support, and child protection, as well as humanitarian aid in emergency situations. Issues such as health and climate protection are also central to many of our projects.
How can I support ChildFund Germany?
There are many different ways to support our work. From a one-time donation to a regular donation as a “Future Donor” to becoming a sponsor, you are free to choose the form of support that best suits you. Long-term and particularly sustainable support can also take the form of a foundation or a bequest. We also offer a range of customized support options for businesses and schools.