Building resilience of children affected by war in Ukraine: The “2 by 2” model for Early Childhood Education
Education and Adolescent Development and Participation Case Study
About
The war in Ukraine has severely impacted young children’s mental health and well-being, particularly those displaced or with disabilities. Widespread shelling, ongoing hostilities and fighting have made many areas unsafe for early childhood education (ECE), significantly reducing learning opportunities for preschool-aged children. Consequently, children have struggled to develop communication skills, relationships, and the ability to engage in group play.
In response, in 2023 UNICEF, in partnership with the Association of Preschool Workers launched the “2 by 2” emergency ECE initiative. This initiative aims to restore elements of pre-war kindergarten structures by holding biweekly, two-hour classes (2 by 2) held in safe community spaces within functional shelters. As a result, 202,085 children in war-affected areas were able to access early learning services that year.
