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
-
Ukrainian leadership in action: shaping the future of Humanitarian AidOn May 23, the Responsible Citizens team took part in the 3rd Annual International Conference “Ukrainian Leadership in Aid,” organized by the Alliance of Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations and international partners.
-
Zaporizhzhia Resilience Centre is already supporting the communityThe Centre was established with financial support from the German Government through the KfW Development Bank and UNICEF Ukraine. Resilience Centres are an initiative of the Ministry of Social Policy within the national mental health programme “How are you?” initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska.
-
September 1 marks the launch of a new project by Responsible Citizens NGO in collaboration with the Government of the Faroe IslandsThe new initiative aims to address educational losses among students in eastern Ukraine who have been unable to fully engage with their curricula.
-
Kupiansk — Bohodukhiv — Kharkiv: the story of a family restored by supportThis is a story about fulfilling every child’s right to protection, development, and support — and about how the team of “Responsible Citizens,” together with UNICEF Ukraine, makes these rights a reality every day for families who have experienced war.
-
Responsible Citizens Took Part in the Final Roundtable of the LIVES ProgrammeWithin the framework of the LIVES programme, our team implemented humanitarian initiatives in frontline communities in eastern Ukraine. The activities covered settlements located near the line of contact, as well as transit centres where people received assistance immediately after evacuation from dangerous areas.
-
Adoption Day in Ukraine: Care, Love, and Safety for Every ChildIn Zaporizhzhia region, the team of the NGO “Responsible Citizens” is implementing a component of the “Better Care” project, supported by UNICEF, in partnership with the Regional Child Services and Regional Social Services Center. Together, we work to ensure every child has a loving family and a safe environment to grow up in.
-
Over 200 kg of Humanitarian Support for Team Operations in Dnipropetrovsk RegionWith the support of Nova Poshta Humanitarian, the NGO “Responsible Citizens” dispatched over 200 kg of humanitarian support to ensure the uninterrupted operation of teams in Dnipropetrovsk Region.
-
Join our specialized training sessions in KyivThe public organization "Responsible Citizens," in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representation in Ukraine, is implementing the project "Enhancing Community Capacity in Providing Core Protection and Resilience Services."