Play Hub in Kyiv: A Safe and Nurturing Space for Children Affected by War

The war has forced millions of Ukrainians to leave their homes and start over in unfamiliar communities. Among them are thousands of children who are in urgent need of care and support. Today, nearly 40% of all internally displaced persons (IDPs) are children. That is why the creation of safe, child-friendly, and multifunctional spaces is not only timely but also essential for their development and adaptation.

In response to these challenges, the Labor and Health Social Initiatives (LHSI) with international partners — International Child Development Initiatives (ICDI, the Netherlands) and the Kyiv Family Center “Rodynny Dim” — opened the Play Hub in the Ukrainian capital.

*The project is implemented in Ukraine by the Labor and Health Social Initiatives with the financial support of the Otto per Mille of the Waldensian Church of Italy.

This model has already been successfully implemented in several EU countries, helping families in new environments to find resources for recovery and integration.

What is a Play Hub?

The Play Hub is an inclusive educational and play space for children aged 0–10 and their families. Here, children can play, learn, and interact with peers, while parents receive psychosocial support and actively engage in their children’s development. Special attention is given to children from vulnerable groups who are growing up in challenging circumstances.

In Kyiv, the Play Hub has been operating since summer 2023 with financial support from the Porticus Foundation, and starting from spring 2025, the initiative will continue thanks to the partnership with the Italian Chiesa Valdese fund.

Our Impact

In 2024, the Play Hub welcomed 1,177 children from families in difficult circumstances, 82% of whom were preschoolers. A significant achievement was that 1,168 parents also participated in activities with their children. This strengthens family bonds, fosters intergenerational learning, and builds trust within families.

Our Mission and Strategy

The Kyiv Play Hub was created to:

• provide psychosocial support for children and families;

• organize inclusive play and educational activities;

• promote the integration of IDPs into the local community;

• foster an environment that values equality, diversity, and safety.

To achieve this, the LHSI team focuses on three key areas:

1. Safe Space — a child feels protected, free to express emotions, learn, and adapt.

2. Integrated Services — cooperation with educational, medical, and social institutions to provide holistic family support.

3. Equality and Diversity — engaging different groups, including displaced families, children from national minorities, Roma families, and other vulnerable categories.

Activities and Partnerships

• Training educators and psychologists in the European TOY for Inclusion methodology.

• Adapting and translating ICDI methodological materials.

• International cooperation within the TOY for Inclusion network: study visits, knowledge exchange, and dissemination of good practices.

Parents’ Voices

“I am glad that I can come here with my children. We can play together in a warm, friendly, and safe environment, and I can learn which games are most suitable for them depending on their age and needs. I am grateful to the LHSI Play Hub educators for supporting my children’s development,” shares a mother.

We also tell the stories of our visitors:

• Kyrylo and his father: A journey to confidence at the Play Hub

The project is implemented in Ukraine by the Labor and Health Social Initiatives with the financial support of the Otto per Mille of the Waldensian Church of Italy www.ottopermillevaldese.org.