Psychosocial rehabilitation of Ukrain children in Slovenia
ITF in cooperation with Red Cross Slovenia is implementing a project for enhancement of psychosocial wellbeing of Ukrainian children affected by political violence, instability and armed conflict in the country.
Between November 2013 and February 2014 Ukraine witnessed violent anti-governmental demonstrations that resulted in a death toll of 100 persons and couple of hundreds wounded, according to available information. Mass demonstrations resulted in change of the Ukraine government followed by further escalating tensions and outbreak of armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine. The number of wounded, displaced and otherwise affected victims of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is growing by the day.
Political violence, instability and armed conflict is gravely affecting the most vulnerable – children. The collapsing protection mechanisms are negatively impacting child`s development especially his mental health and psychosocial well being. In order to address the needs of children affected by conflict in Ukraine ITF is implementing a project for enhancement of their psychosocial well-being. 40 children, aged between 6 and 17, which have been affected by violent events or have tragically lost a close relative, are involved in a psychosocial rehabilitation programme in the natural healing climate of Debeli rtič on the Slovenian coast. During their stay between 23. July and 3. August 2014 the children were visited and received presents from the state secretary from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Mr. Bogdan Benko and the Ukraine Ambassador Mr. Mykola Kyrychenko.
The project has been implemented with funding support of Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.