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Media Contact: Claire Garmirian (cgarmirian@savechildren.org), +1 (203) 209-8545
KYIV (June 18, 2024)— A Save the Children program funded by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) has supported the learning, development, and well-being of 3,500 children, parents, and educators in western Ukraine. The aid organization announced the achievement today at the conclusion of the year-long project.
CDP granted $900,000 to Save the Children to improve access to safe, quality, and inclusive education for war-affected children of preschool age (two to six years), as well as their resilience and well-being.
The project addressed the education and safeguarding needs of children and their families within a protective environment. Save the Children identified fifteen kindergartens in the Zakarpattia and Ivano-Frankivsk regions in western Ukraine as participants. The share of displaced families with acute needs in these areas is among the highest in the country.
The selected preschools received comprehensive support that included the provision of learning materials such as stationery, art supplies, sports apparel, and electronic learning devices. Building renovations ensured the learning environments met safety standards.
‘It is a very important program, especially for remote communities that host displaced families with children in need. The opportunity to learn in a modern educational space is foundational to a child’s preparation for entering school,’ said Karina, a representative of Save the Children’s local partner charity, Posmishka.
The program incorporated segments from Watch, Play, Learn, a suite of innovative, evidence-backed educational videos, into the kindergartens’ curricula. The content was created by Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street.
Watch, Play, Learn videos support students’ learning in mathematics, social-emotional well-being, science, and children’s health and safety. The viewings were followed by practical exercises—such as drawing emotions or sorting toys by colors—to reinforce the lessons.
"I am very glad that we have this project. It grants children an opportunity for better development and learning. My son is learning about kindness, about the environment—he finds out about many new and exciting things,” said Liliia,* the mother of a four-year-old boy.
Another mother, Alla*, continued:
"My daughter loves watching these cartoons. They not only teach how to read and count, but also how to perceive your emotions, communicate in society, and settle various conflicts. My daughter has become calmer and more collected. She knows how to deal with both her positive and negative feelings.”
Students also received individual learning kits with stationery, crafts, and toys, while their parents and caregivers were trained in positive parenting. Positive parenting teaches caregivers how to better help conflict-affected children overcome stressful and traumatizing events. The preschools’ educators learned the basics of psychological first aid and social-emotional learning to continue that support.
The CDP-funded program allowed Save the Children and partner Posmishka to reach a total of 2,446 children, 843 parents and caregivers, and 255 educators with crucial learning and psychosocial support.
*Names changed to protect identity
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