Choice: Building Resilience through Protection, Participation and Innovation

Safe spaces and mobile support for children and families

Terre des hommes operates Child-Friendly Spaces (CFSs) and Mobile Teams (MTs) in Ivano-Frankivska and Khmelnytska oblasts. Together, they bring structured mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) closer to children, both in dedicated spaces and in their communities.

Facilitators are trained in our MGSC (Movement, Games, Sports and Creativity) and Move On & Engage methodologies, using play, movement, creativity and participation to support children’s wellbeing.

"Just a year ago, we couldn’t even imagine how important, interesting and meaningful this training would become for us as facilitators – a training that has turned into real-world practice, a living experience and tangible changes in the life of our school," shares a CFS facilitator.

From July 2025 to September 2026, 9,168 children took part in structured MHPSS sessions at CFSs, including 6,843 through MGSC and 2,325 through Move On & Engage. Mobile Teams have brought similar activities to communities beyond the CFSs, reaching a further 3,331 children, including 2,566 through MGSC and 765 through Move On & Engage.

The project also works with the adults who support children every day. Positive Parenting sessions have engaged 1,603 parents and caregivers, giving them practical tools to support their children and strengthen family relationships.

Individual support through Case Management

Some children and families face protection risks or need more individualised assistance. Case managers work with them to understand their needs, develop a tailored support plan, connect them with relevant services and follow up to make sure they receive the help they need.

"I enjoyed talking to the employee who came to see us."

"They helped me and gave me what I needed."

A total of 587 cases have been supported, including 531 through the Emergency Case Management Fund (ECMF), which provides additional assistance when families face urgent needs.

Children's voices shaping their communities

Child and Youth Advisory Boards (CABs) give children and young people a space to speak up, share ideas and have a say in what happens in their schools and communities. 668 children and young people have taken part in CAB activities, more than twice the project target of 300, while 385 have participated in at least ten sessions, giving them the opportunity for continued support and engagement.

"It turns out that adults are actually willing to listen to us," shares a 14-year-old girl, CAB participant.

"I used to stay silent because I thought no one was interested in what I had to say," says a 15-year-old boy, CAB participant.

Through these activities, CAB members strengthen their collaboration and decision-making skills while gaining practical experience in turning their ideas into action.

Combining resilience with innovation

Our six Resilience and Innovation Facilities (RIFs) combine psychosocial support with opportunities to explore technology, creativity and practical skills. They offer children and young people a place to feel safe, try new things and discover interests that can open up new possibilities.

"This is a place where you're truly safe, and where people just understand you," shares a 16-year-old RIF participant.

2,212 participants took part in RIF activities, including 1,751 who participated in workshops. Alongside psychosocial support, the facilities give them opportunities to experiment, develop new skills and build confidence.

"First and foremost, I need these learning activities to help me take my mind off the constant stress. I have managed to overcome some difficulties with concentration and communication. This experience has had a significant influence on my choice of future profession and has motivated me to keep learning. I have also enrolled in a 3D modelling course," says a 13-year-old internally displaced RIF participant.