"Not Easy Discussing War with Children": Ukrainian Educators on Supporting Refugee Parents
Investing in the Future - Why Parental Education Matters for Early Developmen
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In an effort to provide comprehensive support for children's early development and address the unique challenges faced by families, UNICEF in Romania, in collaboration with HoltIs Romania, has undertaken an ambitious initiative. With support from the LEGO Foundation, the project aims to train over 650 parental educators among teaching staff in schools and kindergartens throughout Romania, including Ukrainian educators and facilitators.
Ana, a 27-year-old education facilitator from Cernăuți, Ukraine, shared her journey transitioning to becoming an educator, supporting refugee children from Ukraine: „I worked as a chef before coming to Romania. However, upon arrival, I participated in various courses, and now I work as an educational facilitator in a center for displaced persons from Ukraine”.
She emphasized her passion for connecting with people and helping them, in contrast with her former professional experiences. „I realized I prefer more engaging with people, assisting them, having a connection with them. In the kitchen, I used to stay isolated, near the oven and stove all day, not interacting much. Now I enjoy working as a parental educator as well and aspire to further develop in this field."
Ana expressed her enthusiasm for parental education, particularly highlighting the importance of focusing on positivity amidst life's challenges. She recounted her experiences working with Ukrainian refugee parents, noting they had several questions revolving around managing children's tantrum crises and addressing the unique needs of refugee children, who often carry the burden of war-related challenges.
Ana told us about the challenges faced by children and adolescents affected by war, emphasizing the delicate nature of addressing these issues with their parents. Her dedication to fostering resilience and providing support shines through her work with families, facilitating discussions on managing children's behaviors and fostering inclusion.
Inga, another educator from Ukraine, recounts her experience: "In Romania, I've been teaching Ukrainian children for two years now. When I started teaching here, the children were traumatized from displacement and what they witnessed in Ukraine. Some needed psychological counseling”.
"For me, as an educator, the hardest part was talking to the children about what's happening back home in Ukraine. It's not easy discussing war with children, especially when they're scared. But our main motivation was to help the children and their parents.", says Inga, acknowledging the challenges of addressing traumatic experiences with children.
Aliona, a Ukrainian educator based in Tulcea, shares her insights into the transformative power of parental education sessions. Through discussions on stress management and coping mechanisms for emotional challenges, Aliona has witnessed a remarkable shift in parental attitudes and behaviors. Observing the
parents' increased confidence and willingness to explore new approaches in their interactions with their children, she emphasized the importance of building trust and community among participants.
"For many parents, the notion of allowing children to find solutions independently was eye-opening," Aliona remarked.
As a mother herself, Aliona recognizes the significance of applying newfound knowledge and strategies within her own family dynamic, illustrating the tangible impact of parental education on both personal and professional levels.
The project not only equipped educators with essential skills but also fostered a sense of community among parents, promoting open dialogue and mutual support. As Ana expressed, "I have noticed a change in parents' behavior towards their children. They are calmer, listen to their children, and patiently explain things to them."
As we navigate the complexities of early childhood development, initiatives like this underscore the importance of investing in parental education. By equipping parents and educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to support children's well-being, we pave the way for a brighter, more resilient future for the youngest generation.
