How did the war change Ukrainian children and what are the challenges awaited? Elena Zelenskaya Foundation presented the results of the Future Index study

This will allow you to introduce effective projects and programs aimed at solving critical problems for children caused by a full -scale war. “Two years of full -scale invasion, life with a sense of constant danger is too much for an adult. But for children is a huge part of life. Half, a third . . . and if we, adults, say that the war has changed us, breaks our lives, what does it do with childhood lives? We all know the basic statistics.

But there are also more "quiet" changes in the position of children. Perhaps not so noticeable at first glance. But very important. These are changes as their lives. Is what they are entitled and what they get instead. The war selects opportunities in them and creates additional obstacles on their way.

How and what do we adults can do with it? I and my colleagues from the Foundation of Elena Zelenskaya also asked themselves this issue, so they initiated the study of the Index of the Future to evaluate the welfare of Ukrainian children. I think it is not necessary to explain its name. It depends on what happens to your children what will happen to them - and with us! "In the future," the presidential wife said.

The study evaluated the welfare of children in nine areas: education, health, safety, financial support, mental health, social skills, manifestations of risky behavior, relationships with family and friends, and institutional care. More than 1300 children aged 10 to 17 years have been interviewed throughout Ukraine (except temporarily occupied territories). “The Index, which the Foundation has worked on with partners will allow you to introduce effective programs at the state level.

They should be aimed at solving critical problems of children during and after the war. The future of Ukraine will depend on the welfare of children, ”said Nina Gorbachev, Director of the Foundation of Elena Zelenskaya. According to the research, the index of the future in Ukraine is now 0. 64 (the index is the value with a range of values ​​from 0 to 1, where more value indicates a better situation).

The worst situation in the well -being of children in health, education and institutional care. “It is important to note that the Future Index is a pilot project. Re -conducted studies will allow the situation with the welfare of children in dynamics. This will help adjust the programs introduced, have better results and promote the happy future of our children, ”said the rector of the Kiev School of Economics, Timothy Brick.

The presentation of the study "Index of the Future" took place within the framework of the Exalee Dreams exhibition organized by UNICEF. “Two years of destruction and movement, violence, isolation, separation with family members and friends, losses among close, educational losses, problems with access to health and social services lead to a crisis for mental health and deterioration of success in Children's training in Ukraine.

UNICEF calls for a sustainable restoration of children, focused on children, and focuses on the encouragement of children and young people to actively participate in it, ” - said Munir Mammedzade, the head of the UNICEF representation in Ukraine. Key conclusions of pilot research: institutional care. In Ukraine, there are twice as many children in institutional institutions as in the European Union (per 100,000 children). Children who are educated in institutions receive only formal care.

Instead, they face the cases of violence against themselves, lack of confidentiality, coercion, lack of choice, etc. This is evidenced by deep interviews with graduates of boarding schools. Therefore, after leaving the state care system, children do not have basic independence skills, are not able to overcome problems, trust, feel lonely. Education. In Ukraine, 24% of children study exclusively online, which is almost 1 million students and students.

About half of the parents - 55% - evaluate the conditions for remote education of their children very well or good. However, parents of children from the east of the country are more likely to indicate poor conditions - a total of 22%. Another conclusion of pilot research - the level of knowledge of mathematics is systematically lower than proficiency in Ukrainian and English. In addition, the proportion of children attending extracurricular circles was determined.

It is an important component of education, because it allows the child to develop comprehensively and realize talents. 69% of children have a hobby, but only 40% visit extracurricular circles. Health. During the two years of a full -scale war, the proportion of children vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus and cough, as well as polio, decreased by 16% and 22%, respectively.

According to experts, parents began to vaccinate children less, because because of stress and uncertainty, it is more difficult for them to think about long -term things. Some of the children were unable to vaccinate due to hostilities. One of the indicators for health assessment was physical activity. 75% of children surveyed were exercised. However, the girls had less activity and less often felt full of energy. Manifestations of risky behavior.

Half of children aged 14-17 tried alcohol and cigarettes - 56% and 53%, respectively. Drugs tried 3% of respondents. Systematically, at least once a week, 16% of children smoke, and alcohol consumes 13%. Security. 60% of children surveyed in Ukraine feel safe. Most rarely - in 49% of cases - children from the south of the country feel safe. 40% of children are faced with bullying at least once a month. 12% of children face a week. Mental health.

Almost half of children in Ukraine - 44% - have signs of potential PTSD (post -traumatic stress disorder). This means that it is difficult for children to concentrate (35% of respondents said this), they are easily upset or engaged in fights (30% of respondents), feel lonely (27% of respondents), have problems with sleep (23% of respondents). In total, 71% of children consider themselves happy. Social and emotional skills. 86% of children show empathy: they are concerned about others.

Relationships in the family and with friends. 73% of children have a good relationship in the family, 80% enjoy being home with their family. At the same time, children who have stronger signs of potential PTSD are less likely to evaluate their family relationships positively. 86% of children have friends, but only 53% believe that friends will be able to support in a difficult time.