Certificate peer learning programme on Psychological First Aid (PFA) in support of children affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine
Get insights about what works to support Ukrainian children
GET INSIGHTS NOW
Experiences of children, caregivers, and helpers
The international armed conflict in Ukraine disproportionately affects children and young people. Many families have been displaced and separated, homes have become unsafe or uninhabitable, and access to education has been disrupted. Across Europe, education, social work, and health -professionals support children and young people â and their parents â displaced from Ukraine. This report analyzes experiences shared by 873 applicants to the Certificate peer learning programme on Psychological First Aid (PFA) in support of children affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
GET INSTANT ACCESSWhatâs in this report?
The analysis reveals how professionals are:
- Applying theoretical frameworks in challenging contexts
- Adapting interventions for different cultural settings
- Supporting both children and caregivers
- Building networks for professional support
- Developing practical solutions to complex challenges
âI happened to be near an explosion site. Among the passersby were children of various ages. (âŚ) In addition to signs of fear, a boy showed signs of panic: fussiness, wandering eyes. (âŚ) I sat down next to the boy, tried to take his hand, slowly and carefully. He gave me his hand. I put his hand on my ribcage so he could feel me breathing. I offered to breathe together.â
An experience shared by Elena Tkachenko from Ukraine
Children in crisis, communities of care
This report brings together more than 20 case studies, selected to illustrate the range of settings and situations in which displaced children may be in need of PFA. It also includes ideas for new projects suggested by participants to enhance the support provided to children and caregivers affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
GET INSTANT ACCESS
 Earn PFA certification
Learn from colleagues by taking the peer learning courses based on these reports
The courses will help you explore how to:
- Create safe and supportive environments for children
- Work effectively with caregivers
- Adapt psychological first aid techniques for different age groups
- Respond to acute emotional distress
- Support children's integration into new communities
- Maintain their own wellbeing while helping others
âThe family was in despair. At that time, the mother fell ill; she began to develop sepsis, but because of her distrust of government services, she hid it, and engaged in self-medication. The children kept to their family, did not have contact with other children, and were afraid of communication with the local population.â
An experience shared by Julia Pashkova from Ukraine
What makes this course different
What you learn comes from real-world practitioner experiences.
This peer learning approach complements established theoretical frameworks and formal training by helping you learn how professionals actually:
- Establish psychological safety in diverse cultural contexts
- Support attachment between displaced children and caregivers
- Apply trauma-informed approaches in practice
- Adapt evidence-based interventions for local implementation
- Develop contextually appropriate protection strategies
What is Psychological First Aid (PFA)?
Psychological First Aid (PFA) provides emotional and practical support to individuals, families, or communities who are having difficulty coping.
It is about establishing a connection with people in a compassionate non-judgmental manner to bring calm and comfort.
It also helps to reduce stigma associated with mental health crises and can reduce negative health outcomes through general public and community building strategies on self-care and promoting conversations about wellness.
How does PFA support children?
PFA for children may entail:
- comforting children and caregivers in distress and helping them feel safe and calm;
- assessing needs and concerns;
- protecting children from harm;
- providing emotional support;
- helping to address immediate basic needs (e.g. food, water, a blanket or shelter);
- listening to children and caregivers without pressuring them to talk; and
- helping children and caregivers access information, services and social support.
Source: MHPSSÂ International Movement Hub
LEARN PFA FOR CHILDRENAbout this project
In May 2022, with the support of the European Commissionâs Directorate General For Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), with the Ukrainian Red Cross and 27 other European Red Cross Societies, launched the project âProvision of quality and timely psychological first aid to people affected by Ukraine crisis in impacted countriesâ supported by the EU4Health programme.
Funded by the EUâs EU4Health programme, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is collaborating with The Geneva Learning Foundation (TGLF) to provide online peer learning opportunities.
About The Geneva Learning Foundation
The Geneva Learning Foundation is a Swiss non-profit with the mission to research and develop new ways to learn and lead in the face of critical threats to our societies.
About the IFRC
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the worldâs largest humanitarian network. Our secretariat supports local Red Cross and Red Crescent action in more than 191 countries, bringing together more than 16 million volunteers for the good of humanity.
Funded by the European Union
This project is supported by the EU4Health programme.
This project is funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of TGLF and IFRC, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.