WWO - Impact Report Pages - Flipbook - Page 19
UKRAINE
On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Nearly 100 days into the war, UNICEF
declared in June of 2022, that this war, has wrought devastating consequences for children
at a scale and speed not seen since World War II. More than 7.1 million people have been
displaced by the war, causing the UNHCR to state in their Situation Report #18, that this is
the largest human displacement crisis in the world today and its effects will be felt by the
country for years to come.
Now over a year has passed, children living in and
through this war are facing many threats to their
safety and wellbeing, often with distressing impacts
to their development. Many children have seen
their community destroyed, been displaced from
their home, school, friends and loved ones, faced
deprivation, and been exposed to traumatic
events. Providing a safe space for children and
caregivers while preserving and supporting their
psychosocial well-being is extremely important in
an emergency situation.
In response to the war, WWO quickly raised funds to launch
our trauma-informed, Element of Play® early childhood development program in sites
across the country. Our first program was held in a library in Lviv, we then expanded our
programs into five additional cities in western Ukraine and opened 10 learning spaces
in libraries, preschools, a public refuges center and we established a WWO Center of
Excellence where large group training sessions are held with local partners including
Zahyst, UNICEF and We Are Ukraine.
In 2023, WWO will be expanding to more sites in more cities and towns across Ukraine.
1,287
Beneficiaries Served
Collaborative Partners:
4 NGOs
3 Libraries
1 School
2022 Annual Report
17
