Tai Po Fire Emergency Response
Still at War – Supporting Ukrainian Children through Trauma
8-year-old Sofia from Kyiv remembers the day the war began vividly. “I don’t tell many people this, but when I was five, on my birthday, the war started,” she says. “I always thought it would be so cool if the war could end on my birthday, just like it began.”
Over 70% of Ukrainians have experienced war-related trauma, with many showing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
“Prolonged exposure to extreme stress can have long-term effects on children’s physical health, emotional stability, and ability to connect with others. For many, the damage is not temporary; it can reshape the very foundations of childhood,” shares Anna, a psychologist at the World Vision-supported Child Friendly Space in Kyiv.
World Vision, together with local partners, is working to provide child-centred, community-based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support across Ukraine. Safe havens, particularly Child Friendly Spaces, offer critical relief. One such space in Kyiv brings children together four times a week for non-formal education, psychological support, and therapeutic activities. Sessions focus on understanding emotions, building coping skills, exploring family dynamics, and fostering resilience. Play, collaborative problem-solving, and open dialogue help children reconnect with themselves and each other.
Ten-year-old Artem from Kharkiv said: “I wish the war was over and I could come back to my native city Kharkiv. I haven’t been there for more than two years.”
Nine-year-old Andriy from Kyiv voiced a longing for family unity: “I have a sister, her name is Kate. We both wish our dad would come back from war as soon as possible.”
These experiences underline the ongoing need for child-focused protection and mental health support. Safe spaces, psychosocial programming, and educational activities remain critical for helping children cope with disruption and trauma caused by prolonged war. As of October 2025, 11 World Vision-supported Child Friendly Spaces across Ukraine have provided safe environments for more than 90,000 children.
