Children from Belarus and Ukraine in Slovenia for another Year of Rehabilitation Programs
Children are the most vulnerable member of society that usually get impacted by conflict and other disasters the most. ITF Enhancing Human Security (ITF) has a comprehensive approach to solving issues of post conflict and disaster resolution that also applied to the medical and psychosocial rehabilitation of children.
With the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and in close cooperation with the Youth Health and Summer Resort of the Slovenian Red Cross at Debeli Rtič, Slovenia, and local partners in affected countries, ITF has been implementing two projects, which provide medical and psychosocial rehabilitation for children from Belarus and Ukraine respectively. This year this includes 30 Belarusian and 64 Ukrainian children. This brings the total number of Belarusian children to 239, and Ukrainian 464.
Children from Ukraine were affected and traumatized by the ongoing armed conflict. Some of them lost parents, experience PTSD, are consequently afraid of laud noises, the dark, etc. With psychosocial therapy, like circus pedagogy and family therapy, the Youth Health and Summer Resort of Red Cross creates a safe spot at the Slovenian seaside for children to relax and recuperate from their issues.
Disastrous consequences do not only originate in conflicts. The radioactive particles remaining from the 1986 nuclear accident in Chernobyl are still affecting the daily lives of people. This year, additional 30 children from Belarus, suffering from medical conditions caused by radiation, have arrived to the Youth Health and Summer Resort to be included in the medical rehabilitation program. Among others, it includes respiratory physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and endurance exercises that will improve their health as well as their general well-being.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia has ensured the financial support for both projects to continue in 2020 as well.
