From Displacement to Inclusion: A Community-Based Support Model for Ukraine's Internally Displaced Children

The project is aimed at creating a sustainable model for integrating children of internally displaced persons into local schools and communities in the Lviv region.

The project responds to key challenges faced by internally displaced children, including emotional vulnerability, social isolation, language barriers, discrimination, and prolonged online learning, which complicates their full integration into the educational environment.

The project implementation is based on a comprehensive approach that simultaneously covers schools, teaching staff, and families. In schools, inclusive practices are introduced, safe and child-friendly spaces are created, and mechanisms for internal peer support among teachers are established.

Main Areas of Implementation

Teacher Training

Teachers and school psychologists receive specialized training in inclusive pedagogy and psychosocial support, gain practical tools for working with children from different social and language backgrounds, as well as ongoing support and mentoring throughout the implementation of changes.

Social Integration

A separate focus of the project is the social integration of internally displaced children and local children through inclusive educational and extracurricular activities, including camps, joint events, and work with parent communities.

Mutual Support Networks

The project also provides for the creation of mutual support networks between internally displaced families and local families, which helps strengthen trust, reduce tension, and build community cohesion.

Advocacy Campaign

An important component is an advocacy and information campaign aimed at encouraging internally displaced families to move children from online or irregular learning to safe in-person education. The campaign seeks to raise parents’ awareness of the benefits of face-to-face learning and reduce fears and prejudices related to safety, language, and social barriers.

Project Partner

100% for Børnene — a Danish organization established in 2008 to improve living conditions and protect the rights of the most vulnerable population groups, particularly children and youth.

Project Donor

CISU (Civil Society in Development) — an organization that supports the development of civil society and international cooperation.

Project Significance

This project is an important step toward creating an inclusive educational environment where every child, regardless of background or circumstances, has the opportunity to learn, develop, and feel part of the community.