NGO “Ekosphera” is starting a new project for displaced children “Green Holidays”. Every Friday at the base of the Uzhhorod Public Library and at the base of the Zakarpattia Regional Universal Library named after F. Potushnyak, educational classes for children will take place.
The events during the Russian invasion of Ukraine caused the emergence of a new category of population — internally displaced persons (IDPs). In any conflict, the most vulnerable category of the population — children — suffers the most. They are the ones who experience significant social and psycho-emotional difficulties associated with a change of living environment and familiar circle of communication, especially if such migration is caused by war. Children can withdraw into themselves or their family. Social maladaptation provokes failure and antisocial behavior. Usually, such a child “passes” into the “risk group” category. The environment’s attitude toward the child deteriorates, and as a result, its behavior becomes even less manageable.
In order to adapt a child to life in a different environment, it is important to try to include him in the life of society, in the circle of peers and do this through play, research, creative tasks and master classes. We have prepared for IDP children to study in new school groups through “Green holidays”, during which they will have the opportunity to get to know their peers, explore the fauna and flora of the region during ecological games, one-day trips to the outskirts of the city, develop creative abilities at master classes, to express their experiences through creativity, conversations, discussions.
Announcements about the start of the “Green Holidays” program will be distributed through the Uzhhorod Public Library and the Zakarpattia Regional Universal Library named after F. Potushnyak, as well as at the location of the IDPs, through the pages of our organization in social networks.
The program includes trainings, master classes, quests, research on the following topics: “Waste reduction”, “Trash sorting and recycling”, “Forest ecosystems”, “Renewable and non-renewable energy”, “Solar energy”, “Energy conservation”, “Birds in conditions of urbanization”, “City of the future”.
We will also organize one bus excursion to the Mukachevo Castle “Palanok” to acquaint children with the history and culture of the region. The program will be valid for 3 months. Each school day will begin with introductions, viewing of educational films, discussions, games, quests or research in the park. For example, looking at insects under a magnifying glass or under a microscope, watching birds, recognizing birds by singing, cognitive games in nature, etc.
Territory of activity: Uzhhorod
Purpose: To contribute to mitigating the negative consequences of war and adaptation of IDP children to life in a different environment through the involvement of their circle of peers during creative master classes, quests, games and research.
Expected results of project implementation:
- 10 interesting educational activities (master classes, games, quests, etc.) will be held under the “Green holidays” program.
- At least 500 IDP children and teenagers will take part in the project.
The target audience of the project: children and adolescents of IDPs
Activities under the “Green Holidays” program are supported by the “Civil Society for Democratisation” project with the assistance of the European Union, which is implemented by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the NGO “Ekosphera” and in no way reflects the point of view of the European Union and the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting.
