CONVERSION OF CELLAR ROOMS INTO CLASSROOMS IN UKRAINE
The Regine Sixt Children’s Aid Foundation, in cooperation with the Pullach im Isartal e.V. partnership association, has taken a significant step towards improving educational opportunities in Ukraine. To this end, basement rooms in the communities of Voloshynivka and Baryshivka have been successfully converted into classrooms to give children access to face-to-face lessons despite the tense situation, even while air-raid alarms are sounding. This can only take place if shelters are available and these are suitably equipped as classrooms so that lessons can continue.
These construction projects not only included basic renovation work, but also a comprehensive modernisation of the electrical wiring to ensure a reliable power supply. This enabled the installation of lighting, ventilation and heating systems as well as sanitary facilities. These infrastructure improvements not only help to make the learning environment safer and more comfortable, but also improve the children’s quality of life. In addition, special areas have been created for games and activities aimed at promoting the children’s psychosocial development. Given the ongoing challenges and stresses caused by the conflict, it is crucial to offer young people in Ukraine not only education, but also the opportunity to strengthen their emotional and social skills and gain positive experiences.
EQUIPPING CHILD-FRIENDLY ROOMS IN REFUGEE ACCOMMODATION CENTRES
With the support of the Regine Sixt Children’s Aid Foundation, rooms have been set up in two municipal refugee centres in Munich specifically for the care of Ukrainian families. These rooms are used both for childcare and as places to play, do handicrafts and do homework.
The two rooms were renovated with great commitment and equipped with new furniture. Since October 2023, Ukrainian children aged 3-6 have been using the room daily for creative activities under the supervision and guidance of specialist and assistant staff. Schoolchildren can also do their homework there in the afternoons. Particular attention was paid to ensuring that the room is designed to be multifunctional in order to meet the different needs of the children.
The creation of these childcare centres has significantly improved the quality of life of Ukrainian children and their families and provides a safe place to play, learn and develop.
EQUIPMENT FOR A KINDERGARTEN FOR UKRAINIAN CHILDREN
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, 28 Ukrainian women and their 39 children aged between 1.5 and 15 have found refuge in the former St Gabriel convent in Berlin, which is currently leased and managed by the “Kindergarten der Schele-Schule gemeinnützige GmbH”. Thanks to the support of the Regine Sixt Children’s Aid Foundation, they received a new kitchen, renovated living rooms with new beds and mattresses, equipped rooms for childcare and an improved fire protection concept in their new premises. This enables the mothers to have functioning childcare and helps them to arrive in Germany not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. We wish the families all the best and hope that they will soon feel at home in their new home.
NEW SNOEZELEN ROOMS FOR UKRAINIAN CHILDREN IN POLAND
As part of the celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of SIXT Poland, donations were collected to fund snozelen rooms in the paediatric oncology departments of the Bydgoszcz and Poznan clinics for Ukrainian children. These children are traumatised by their cancer, but also by PTSD syndromes, stress and cultural and linguistic differences. Snoezel rooms are used by the children to reduce stress, relax and deal with trauma. This type of therapy supports natural development, strengthens self-esteem and improves communication skills. The Snoezel rooms also benefit Polish children suffering from cancer.
SIXT and its partners financed the construction and equipment of the rooms. The local foundation “Na Ratunek Dzieciom z Chorobą Nowotworową” (Foundation for the Rescue of Children with Cancer) provides certified psychologists and psychotherapists. The Regine Sixt Children’s Aid Foundation also supported this project by funding the equipment for one of these sensory rooms.
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Tip from the editors
The Regine Sixt Children’s Aid Foundation TRÄNCHEN TROCKNEN, together with the Stern Foundation and Welthungerhilfe, supports securing the future for the people in the village of Kinakoni.
