ICDI, in collaboration with LHSI, is thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of Ukraine’s first Play Hub in Kyiv in July 2023. This groundbreaking initiative is supporting some of many internally displaced families with young children in the country who have had to leave their homes because of the war. While the project’s scale is modest, it carries significant potential for positive impact.
The Play Hub in Kyiv is located at the Centre Rodinniy Dim. It will directly benefit 100 internally displaced children aged 0-10 and their caregivers, as well as 100 non-internally displaced children and their caregivers. The initiative will also involve 40 professionals from various sectors, including education, health, social services, employment, local authorities, NGOs, and CBOs.
The TOY for Inclusion approach, which has already been successfully implemented in 9 EU countries and has reached over 15,000 children and their parents, focuses on creating safe, welcoming, and multi-service spaces for vulnerable young children (0-10 years old) and their caregivers. These inclusive community-based non-formal educational spaces aim to promote the psychosocial well-being of children and ensure their access to education, healthcare, protection, and adaptation services in their new communities.
The Play Hub in Kyiv will be a space for play, learning and socialisation. Children and their caregivers will also benefit from specialised support services, intergenerational learning activities and language training. The Play Hub will be a safe and nurturing environment which will support the integration of displaced families.
The collaboration between LHSI and ICDI, with their expertise in deinstitutionalisation, child rehabilitation, and reintegration, strengthens the project’s foundations and ensures its effectiveness in meeting the needs of internally displaced children and families.
This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in providing essential support to vulnerable children and families affected by forced displacement in Ukraine. By prioritising psychosocial well-being and access to crucial services, the Play Hub will serve as a beacon of hope and resilience for those seeking a safe, nurturing and familiar space. ICDI remains committed to creating inclusive spaces and fostering positive change together with its network of partners for children and families worldwide.
