New Child-Friendly Spaces open in Kharkiv Region
In January, new Child-Friendly Spaces began operating in Malynivska, Solonytsivska, Pivdenna, Zachepylivska, and Sakhnovshchynska communities. This marks an important milestone in the implementation of a joint project between the NGO “Responsible Citizens” and UNICEF Ukraine, funded by USAID – US Agency for International Development.
Each newly opened Space is a specially equipped area where children can receive social and psychological support—an urgent need due to the challenging situation in the Kharkiv region, particularly as many families have been forced to leave their homes. These Spaces are staffed by psychologists, art therapists, and other specialists who provide emotional relief for children and organize developmental activities. Parents are actively seeking opportunities to ensure their children continue learning and growing despite difficult circumstances, and these Spaces help fill that gap.
Speech therapy support is especially critical. The 18-month experience of “Responsible Citizens” has highlighted a high demand for free speech therapy services. Accordingly, speech therapy sessions have already started in the new Spaces.
Each Space offers comprehensive support for the entire family. Parents can access consultations with social workers, psychologists, and legal experts—vital assistance in navigating the numerous challenges families face during wartime. Additionally, positive parenting groups and activities to enhance parental skills are being conducted.
Olha Kosse, Chair of the Board of NGO “Responsible Citizens,” emphasized the indispensable role of international partners in strengthening the resilience of affected regions:
“Thanks to cooperation with international organizations, we can create essential conditions for children and adults in regions experiencing active hostilities. The joint efforts of international donors and Ukrainian NGOs lay the foundation for sustainable development in Ukraine’s affected regions.”
All services in the Child-Friendly Spaces are provided entirely free of charge.
Більше новин
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Classes under the TEAM UP Programme Launch in a Child-Friendly Space in Kharkiv RegionIn a Child-Friendly Space in Kharkiv region, sessions under the “TEAM UP” programme are launching. TEAM UP is a body-oriented group psychosocial support programme for children aged 6 to 18. The programme was designed for implementation in wartime and post-conflict settings. It is grounded in practical experience and delivered through movement, play, and interaction.
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Strengthening Support for Family-Based CareOlena Bieloliptseva, Education Projects Coordinator at the NGO Responsible Citizens, took part in the inaugural meeting of the Coordination Center for the Development of Family-Based Upbringing and Child Care.
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Responsible Citizens NGO has become a member of the Humanitarian NGOs Platform in UkraineThis is an important step toward strengthening coordination within the humanitarian community and expanding partnerships that help respond more effectively to the needs of people affected by the conflict.
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Over 60 kg of support for families with childrenWe are grateful to our partners at Humanitarian Nova Poshta, who help ensure the continuity of assistance and support communities living close to the war zone.
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Improving the Quality of Child Reintegration Services in CommunitiesRegional Coordinator Alla Maslakhova and specialists from the NGO Responsible Citizens in Zaporizhzhia region took part in a UNICEF Ukraine workshop dedicated to the implementation of the Guiding Principles for the Reintegration Service Package within the Alternative Care and Return and Reintegration programs.
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Aid that changed the life of a family from Druzhkivka: Arina’s storyArina from Druzhkivka, Donetsk region, shares her story of how the financial assistance provided by the NGO “Responsible Citizens” became a lifesaving s...
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Catching Up on educational losses in eastern UkraineEducational losses of children due to the war have become a challenge that the NGO “Responsible Citizens” started addressing last year. In the complex o...