Author:
Nataliia Masiak
War leaves a deep mark not only on children's physical well-being but also on their psychological state. In today's reality, thousands of Ukrainian minors need help to overcome fear, anxiety, pain, and war-related trauma. The Voices of Children Foundation has become an essential hub of psychological support for children, teenagers, and their families, offering psychosocial assistance in various regions of Ukraine.
From the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Foundation's centers in Truskavets and Lviv opened their doors to those forced to flee their homes. Since then, Voices of Children has established a network of centers nationwide. However, even when work is well-organized, it is crucial to pause and assess whether the support is being provided in the best possible way. That's why we asked ourselves: Do children and teenagers truly need such safe spaces for support? Would it be more appropriate to optimize funds for other needs?
To find answers, we turned to the most important experts—children and teenagers who visit the Foundation's centers, as well as their parents, guardians, and adults who receive support there.
From the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Foundation's centers in Truskavets and Lviv opened their doors to those forced to flee their homes. Since then, Voices of Children has established a network of centers nationwide. However, even when work is well-organized, it is crucial to pause and assess whether the support is being provided in the best possible way. That's why we asked ourselves: Do children and teenagers truly need such safe spaces for support? Would it be more appropriate to optimize funds for other needs?
To find answers, we turned to the most important experts—children and teenagers who visit the Foundation's centers, as well as their parents, guardians, and adults who receive support there.
The survey lasted one month. A total of 631 people participated, including 202 children who attended the Foundation's centers. The surveyed children ranged in age from 10 to 18. The questionnaire covered Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Truskavets, and Chernivtsi, providing a broad spectrum of responses—from centers in combat zones to those in relatively safe regions.
When asked, "Do you willingly visit the Voices of Children Center?" and "Do you feel comfortable being there?" more than 95% of respondents answered positively. Among parents and guardians, nearly 98% confirmed that their children gladly visit the center and are under reliable supervision.
With many children unable to attend school in person and facing limited social opportunities, we also asked, "Have you made new friends during activities at the Center?" Almost 68% of child respondents said yes, while another 15% noted that friendships take time to develop. Among parents, 66% confirmed their children had made new friends, while 15% didn't know.
When asked, "Do you willingly visit the Voices of Children Center?" and "Do you feel comfortable being there?" more than 95% of respondents answered positively. Among parents and guardians, nearly 98% confirmed that their children gladly visit the center and are under reliable supervision.
With many children unable to attend school in person and facing limited social opportunities, we also asked, "Have you made new friends during activities at the Center?" Almost 68% of child respondents said yes, while another 15% noted that friendships take time to develop. Among parents, 66% confirmed their children had made new friends, while 15% didn't know.
The third group of respondents included adults who sought psychological support from the Foundation. More than 75% of participants in this category noted that their social circle had significantly expanded thanks to the Foundation's centers.
An essential aspect of the survey was the question: "Have you noticed changes in your well-being after visiting the center?" Between 80% and 86% of respondents across all groups reported positive changes. Not a single respondent indicated a deterioration in their condition.
Many participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to attend the center. One respondent shared:
"We love being here! The children don't want to leave after the activities. The psychological support is excellent, and the sessions are very engaging! Thank you to your center and specialists! I wish you prosperity, safety, growth, peace, and all the best!"
Such words not only touch the heart but also reinforce the understanding that this work is valuable and meaningful.
An essential aspect of the survey was the question: "Have you noticed changes in your well-being after visiting the center?" Between 80% and 86% of respondents across all groups reported positive changes. Not a single respondent indicated a deterioration in their condition.
Many participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to attend the center. One respondent shared:
"We love being here! The children don't want to leave after the activities. The psychological support is excellent, and the sessions are very engaging! Thank you to your center and specialists! I wish you prosperity, safety, growth, peace, and all the best!"
Such words not only touch the heart but also reinforce the understanding that this work is valuable and meaningful.
- The space itself matters, not just the support provided. The environment plays a crucial role in delivering quality psychological and social support. That’s why it’s essential to keep expanding the Foundation’s centers in different locations.
- Psychosocial support should be accessible to everyone. This is not just about the well-being of individual families—it’s about the future of society.
- The Foundation's centers play an even more significant role. They not only provide psychological support but also become places where children and adults find friends, expand their social circles, and regain a sense of normalcy in difficult times. And that is worth every effort.
As renowned psychologist Jean Piaget once said, "The future depends on how we care for our children today." The Voices of Children Foundation is already making that future brighter, and supporting its initiatives is incredibly important.
Together, we can help the children of Ukraine regain their faith in life. Please support us with your donation.
About the Foundation
The Voices of Children Foundation provides comprehensive support to children, teenagers, and their families, which includes:
- Individual and group psychological counseling.
- Art therapy and play therapy.
- Psychological support for parents.
- Adaptation and socialization training.
- Year-round camps with a psychological support component.
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