Ukraine

The current circumstances in eastern Ukraine amount to protection crisis, where basic rights of families and children are affected. The ongoing state of uncertainty and escalating violence is taking a heavy toll on the children’s and families’ mental health and well-being. Heavy fighting, massive destruction and general insecurity, deaths of family members and friends as well as loss of property and livelihoods have caused massive stress to families who are directly affected.

The following information was gathered from the Ukraine UNICEF website.

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Mass media reports about the fighting and destruction affect the mental health of people living in safer places and exacerbates worries about the future. The results of UNICEF psychosocial assessment  of children in Donetsk region indicate that 37 per cent of all children aged 7-18 have been directly exposed to adverse or threatening events. Teachers, parents, and caregivers are not always capable of addressing these concerns as they themselves are under stress.

 Widespread displacement has led to separation of families and children, and as such family tracing and reunification of children with families remain priority tasks. Another particularly vulnerable group are children in institutional care. UNICEF partners on the ground also report tensions between host communities and IDPs. UNICEF’s monitoring and discussions with people reveal divides in communities and anger, frustration and lack of hope for the future. These factors call for psychosocial support, care and counseling aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence with a focus to diffuse and address anger before it leads to conflicting situations. 426 school psychologists have reached over 12,884 children with psycho-social support Over 19,578 calls are received by UNICEF-supported children’s hotline on a bi-weekly basis Psychologists trained by UNICEF have provided outreach services to 3,422 teachers and local psychologists Community Protection Centres and Child-friendly spaces in schools have provided services and/or information to over 30,000 children and caregivers.

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I think about Eastern Europe every day. I wonder how in the world children in Russia or Ukraine have a chance when the average child is not beginning any formal schooling until 6 or 7. And then, it is very “old-school” with demands and pressure. Teachers are bribed to give extra attention to wealthy students. The poorest really don’t stand much of a chance..It saddens me, and for years I have wanted to go back. With the way politics has played out over the past few years, I wouldn’t feel safe..