Author:
Mariia Kucova
On June 1-2, the charitable foundation "Voices of Children" took part in the conference "How to Build Child-Friendly Institutions" upon the invitation of Clemens Sedmak, professor from Notre Dame University. The event was organized by the International Center for Social and Ethical Issues in Salzburg, Austria.
The foundation was represented by grants project manager Oleksandra Mukhina and the regional coordinator for the Kharkiv region, Alyona Chyryk. The conference brought together 15 participants from various countries, including the United Kingdom, India, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium, and others.
To highlight the context in which Ukrainian children are living, the representatives presented a mini-project marking the second anniversary of the large-scale invasion — "Two Childhoods". This project involved comparing children's drawings from peaceful times with those created during the war. The contemporary drawings are significantly more detailed.
If previously a child would draw a house, now they draw the home they lost. If they once depicted a park, now they recreate Yuvileyny Park in Kherson,
explained Oleksandra Mukhina.
explained Oleksandra Mukhina.
She also shared the history and activities of the "Voices of Children" foundation, while Alyona Chyryk discussed the foundation's child-friendly local centers and the principles they adhere to. The experts emphasized the importance of listening to children's opinions when creating child-friendly spaces. This can be as simple as asking them directly.
Adults often interpret what they think a child wants, but they don’t ask if that’s actually the case,
noted Alyona Chyryk.
noted Alyona Chyryk.
All conference participants were deeply impressed by the work of "Voices of Children" under wartime conditions. Notably, in Kharkiv, where it was believed there was nothing and no one left, the foundation's team continues to support families with children, despite the risks.
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