In the war-torn cities of Mykolaiv and Cherson in eastern Ukraine, 800 Ukrainian children aged 12 and older are participating in a crucial crisis preparedness training program run by Operation Aid. This Swedish non-profit organization, founded by Dr. Elly Reinolds, a specialist physician at Nacka Hospital, is equipping these young individuals with essential survival skills, ranging from reuniting with lost parents to safely evacuating a burning building and navigating minefields. The training recognizes the immense resilience these children possess and aims to empower them with essential life-saving knowledge and self-confidence in challenging circumstances. The program specifically prioritizes children who have lost one or both parents due to the ongoing conflict, a tragic reality for an estimated 70,000 children since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
The training is holistic, addressing both physical and psychological needs. It includes practical exercises such as using gas masks, and prioritizes the children’s mental well-being. Recognizing the traumatic experiences these children have endured, Operation Aid incorporates psychological preparation as a crucial element of the program. Before delving into the practical skills, the children are given a safe space to share their personal experiences of the war. This approach fosters a sense of trust and comfort, allowing the children to engage with the training from a place of emotional security. The program also integrates exercises designed to alleviate anxiety and stress, providing the children with coping mechanisms to navigate the ongoing challenges they face.
Funded by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Swedish aid, the program recognizes the dire circumstances many of these children face, including difficult economic conditions and deep emotional trauma. The effectiveness of the current initiative has led Operation Aid to seek increased funding for next year, with the goal of expanding its reach and training 2,000 Ukrainian children by 2025. This ambitious expansion underscores the organization’s commitment to equipping a greater number of vulnerable children with essential survival skills in the face of ongoing conflict and its aftermath.
Dr. Reinolds observes a marked difference between Ukrainian and Swedish children, noting the stark awareness Ukrainian children possess about the realities of war. Their exposure to the conflict through social media, including graphic content on platforms like Viber and Telegram, shapes their understanding and, in some cases, desensitizes them to the violence. This contrasts with the relatively sheltered experience of many Swedish children. While acknowledging the concerning nature of this exposure, Dr. Reinolds highlights the children’s courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Inspired by the success of the program in Ukraine, Dr. Reinolds envisions a similar initiative for Swedish children and youth. Operation Aid has already initiated contact with the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) and applied for funding to adapt and implement the training in Sweden next year. While the context and specific skills taught would differ, the core principles of preparedness and resilience will remain central to the program. Recognizing that even in peaceful societies, unforeseen crises can occur, the organization aims to equip young people with the necessary tools to navigate emergencies and safeguard their well-being.
This expansion into Sweden signifies the broader applicability of the program’s core tenets. While the immediate need arose from the specific context of war in Ukraine, the value of empowering young people with essential life skills transcends national borders. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of preparedness and resilience in a world facing increasingly complex challenges, from natural disasters to geopolitical instability. By equipping the next generation with these crucial skills, Operation Aid seeks to foster a more secure and resilient future for all.
