Integration through volunteering: Workshop for Volunteer Leaders in Chernivtsi

On August 21, Chernivtsi hosted a seminar on “Development of social and psychological strategies for adaptation and integration of refugee children in host communities” for “Volunteer Leaders.”

The seminar aimed to create favorable conditions for the adaptation of refugee children in the Chernivtsi city territorial community, strengthen the volunteer system, and summarize various sports and psychological activities.

The current challenges facing our country have a profound impact on each of us. However, the greatest burden is borne by children who find themselves in new, unfamiliar conditions. They often do not have sufficient resources to cope with difficulties on their own, adapt to new living conditions, and find inner resilience. Moving to a new place of residence, changing the usual social environment, pace of life, and social environment significantly affect the psychological and physical condition of displaced children (children from vulnerable groups), creating additional challenges for their development and well-being.

The seminar began with a presentation by the head of the NGO YOUTH. SCIENCE. SPORT. HEALTHY MOVEMENT of Ukraine, PhD in Physical Education and Sports, Associate Professor Yaroslav Galan. He emphasized the importance of this topic in the current conditions in Ukraine and presented a ten-stage strategy for the integration of displaced children and children from privileged categories. Yaroslav emphasized: “Volunteer leaders are active and conscious young people who are ready to respond to the challenges of our time and help vulnerable groups in Ukraine.”

Olena Platonova, a psychologist of the highest category, provided recommendations for working with children of IDPs and privileged categories. She emphasized the importance of comprehensive support for vulnerable children in today’s environment and explained how to avoid professional burnout in this activity.

The participants of the seminar received certificates confirming the knowledge they have gained, which they will be able to apply in practice in their communities. They also received gifts from the NGO.

The importance of this process can hardly be overestimated, as the integration of displaced children and children from privileged categories is critical for their future and the future of our country. Every contribution to this cause brings us closer to a stronger, united, and peaceful Ukraine.

The seminar was held within the framework of the project “Development of Social and Psychological Strategies for the Adaptation and Integration of Refugee Children in Host Communities,” implemented by the Carpathian Foundation with the financial support of COFRA.