Children are at risk
Children and young people under the age of 18 constitute 18% of the population in Ukraine, totaling 7.9 million. Since the war started in February 2022, millions of children have endured months of devastation and displacement. Under these immensely stressful conditions, it is difficult to have exact numbers, but it estimated that over 1.5 million children are internally displaced and 3,100 children have lost parental care. In addition, 3.4 million children from Ukraine need special protection and assistance
17.6M
People are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance
Forced from home
According to the United Nations, it is estimated that around 17.6 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian support. Around 23% of those in need of support are children.
Nearly two-thirds of children have had to flee their homes. Children who have been displaced are at an increased risk of poverty, malnutrition, abuse, neglect, separation from their families, violence, and trafficking. In the long-term, psychological distress and missed education threaten their future well-being and prospects.
5.7M
Children have had their education disrupted
Disrupted education
Over 3,000 education facilities, have suffered bombing and shelling, or have been completely destroyed. As a result, 2.6 million students are unable to go to school. Many schools are trying their very best to continue their teaching online. However, online learning is jeopardized by power blackouts and a lack of internet.
Schools face the loss of teaching and technical material such as books and projectors. Unable to study, children face the long-term consequences of falling behind in their education, and social development.
1.5 M
Children need mental health support
Health
Life for the children in Ukraine has changed drastically since the war started. Most of those who have had to leave their homes behind are women and children. The majority of families have been separated.
Children have had to leave behind the family, school, friends and life that they knew. They have had to adjust to a new, unpredictable situation that is full of insecurity.
These children need specialized assistance so that they can begin to overcome all the difficulties they face.
Together we can make a difference for children in Ukraine
30,000
Adults and children
Were evacuated to safety within Ukraine
17,000
Mental health consultations
Were possible in Ukraine and neighouring countries
Brought to safety outside Ukraine
When the war escalated in February 2022, SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine quickly adapted its activities to the changing needs of children affected by the conflict. Our support focuses on children and young people. Here are two young children, in safety and able to draw together in the social center in Lviv (photo: S.Skjefstad).
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and train parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
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GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives