Research and reports

This module on Changing perceptions – empowering teachers is a training module on interpersonal communication for inclusive education developed by UNICEF regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and complements the previous UNICEF Training of Trainers package on inclusive education (2015). It addresses teaching staff self-efficacy, attitudes,…, CHANGING PERCEPTIONS EMPOWERING TEACHERSInterpersonal communication and community engagement to support inclusive education Training Package for Teachers and EducatorsUNICEF Europe and Central Asia RegionJanuary 2023 2 3 Acknowledgements This training package was commissioned by the UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office. We would like to…

This policy analysis examines regional and national policy and normative documents, and existing literature related to digital learning in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo 1 , Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The report captures the state of the education recovery after the COVID-19 school closures and explores trends, promising practices,…, DIGITAL LEARNING LANDSCAPE in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia:A policy analysis UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central AsiaGeneva, SwitzerlandTelephone: +41 22 909 5111 Email: ecaro@unicef.org ww.unicef.org/eca This report was authored by Svetlana Poleschuk (UNICEF Innocenti Global Office of Research and…

The language of instruction plays a key role in refugee children’s integration into host country schools, as children spend most of their time at school and this is also where their meet their peers and socialisation take place. Knowledge of the language of instruction enables them to continue their education and learning, fully participate in the…, Language Promotion and Development for integration of Ukrainian refugee children in national education systems in host countries UNICEF/UN0774458/ Czech Republic (Czechia), 2023 1. Introduction The language of instruction plays a key role in refugee childrens integration into host country schools, as children spend most of their time at school and…

On World Children’s Day, three international organisations working in the field of child protection in Poland - United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Plan International and Save the Children - release a research report on the subjective wellbeing of children and adolescents living in Poland in the face of the war in Ukraine. The report is based…, "It is cool here, no doubt about it... but home is home."ExplorIng thE subjEctIvE wEllbEIng of chIldrEn and adolEscEnts lIvIng In poland In thE facE of thE war In ukraInEnovEmbEr 2023 marIa rosarIa cEntronEanna gromadaIvan posylnyI 3"It is cool here, no doubt about it... but home is home."ExplorIng thE subjEctIvE wEllbEIng of chIldrEn and…

The Regional Digital Learning and Transformation of Education Strategy (RDLS) sets the vision, goals, focus areas and programmatic interventions for scaling up and sustaining UNICEF’s work on digital learning in Europe and Central Asia. It prioritizes the use of edtech for effective teaching and learning, transforming education delivery and…, UNICEF Regional Digital Learning and Transformation of Education Strategy for Europe and Central AsiaSUMMARY 2 Regional Digital Learning and Transformation of Education Strategy for Europe and Central Asia 1. Vision BOX 1. TERMINOLOGY: EDTECH AND DIGITAL LEARNING. EdTech (Education Technology): includes a wide range of technologies, hardware,…

Nearly 10.8 million children in Europe and Central Asia have disabilities, accounting for 1 in 17 children across the region. Their opportunity to lead fulfilling lives and fully and fairly participate in society depends on the extent to which they are supported and included in their homes, schools and communities. The exclusion of people with…, PREGNANCYIn utero screening can help families prepare for the birth of a child with disabilities and help initiate support for the whole family, including access to information about support services. The attitude and capacities of health professionals is crucial to detecting and providing adequate support in the early days after birth, which are…

This report  describes the disability assessment systems in the five countries, identifies potentially transferable best practices, general and specific observations about practices, and, finally, provides recommendations for technical guidance and further disability assessment system reform in the region and beyond. Specifically, this report:  …, ASSESSING DISABILITY OF CHILDREN:A mapping in Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Serbia February 2023 MAIN REPORT 2 Acknowledgements: This report has been authored by Jerome Bickenbach, ICF and disability expert, Switzerland and Aleksandra Posarac, disability expert, Serbia under the guidance of Nora Shabani and Aaron Greenberg from…

Children are uniquely vulnerable to air pollution, with devastating effects on their health and development. Scientific evidence shows air pollution contributes to adverse birth outcomes including preterm births and low birth weights, infant mortality,  damaged lung function, illness and diseases including asthma, cardiovascular disease and cancer…, Breathless beginnings: the alarming impact of air pollution on children in Europe and Central Asia Breathless beginnings: the alarming impact of air pollution on children in Europe and Central Asia P O L I C Y B R I E F 05.09.23 Air pollution is a major environmental health risk for children. In 2019, 5,801 children and teenagers in 52 countries…

Ukraine’s children and their families have endured 18 months of forced displacement, unthinkable loss, and relentless violence since the escalation of war in February 2022. As of August 24, at least 545 children have been killed  – the equivalent of a child dying every day since the war escalated, mostly from bombardment. At least 1,156 children…, UNICEF’s response, UNICEF continues to respond to children’s urgent humanitarian needs and ensure children have access to health care, immunization, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, and mental health and psychosocial support. In refugee hosting countries, UNICEF continues to work with governments, municipalities, and local partners to strengthen national…, Ukraines children and their families have endured 18 months of forced displacement, unthinkable loss, and relentless violence since the escalation of war in February 2022. At least 545 children have been killed the equivalent of a child dying every day since the war escalated, mostly from bombardment. At least 1,156 children have been injured.1…

More than six months after the devastating earthquakes hit Türkiye and northern Syria, recovery efforts are ongoing to aid the nearly 4 million children still in need of humanitarian aid. While massive strides have been made to support these communities, international support is still needed to help restore a sense of safety and normalcy. An…, https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=fd97e0f912&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1770679984995286549&th=1892b-8109c89be15&view=att&disp=safe Resources needed to support children affected by the earthquake in Trkiye Trkiye earthquakes and UNICEFs response August 2023 We have to move forward, for ourselves and our We have to…

Heat waves are anything but fun in the sun. Extreme heat and humidity can be extremely uncomfortable and pose serious health risks, especially for infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly. Without taking the proper precautions, extreme heat can lead to heat stroke and even worse, fatality. As a result of climate change, heat waves are…, Heat wave facts, Heatwave facts: A girl stands under the hot sun What is a heat wave?  Heat waves happen when the temperature is higher than normal for several days in a row. Humidity can cause it to feel much hotter. What causes a heat wave?  Heat waves result from warm air being trapped in the atmosphere and are a natural weather phenomenon. Heat waves are…, What to do in a heat wave, How to prepare for a heatwave: A girl stands next to a fan Be prepared Know how hot and humid it is going to get today, this week and this month to help plan outside activities. Keep an emergency kit at home that contains oral rehydration salt (ORS) packets, a thermometer, water bottles, towels or cloths to wet for cooling, a handheld fan or…, Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, How to recognize symptoms of heatstroke: A girl looks confused as a caregiver supports her Severe symptoms of heat stress require urgent care.  If a family member is presenting any of the severe symptoms below you should call for an ambulance or arrange for another form of transport to a health facility immediately. Trust your instincts and don’t…, Symptoms of heat-related illness, Milder symptoms - treat at home Severe symptoms – take to hospital immediately General Dry lips/sticky mouth Excessive thirst Excessive sweating Weakness /dizziness Nausea/vomiting Small blisters/rashes Heat rashes Mild fever Nosebleeds Cramps, usually in arms and legs Confusion/not responding clearly /seizures/coma/not waking up (MOST SEVERE)…, How to treat heatstroke and heat-related illnesses, How to treat heat related illness: A girl lies on the floor while a caregiver provides water Take the following steps to help your loved one cool, rehydrate and recover:, 1. Cool and rush to health facility if severe, If a family member is experiencing severe symptoms of heat-related illnesses, it is important to cool first and transport second.   Help the person sit or lie down in a cool shaded area with good ventilation. Close curtains to create more shade. Turn on a fan or air conditioner if available. Apply wet towels to the skin at head, neck, armpits and…, 2. Reduce temperature, Move the person into a cool area if not done so already. Close curtains to create more shade. Turn on a fan or air conditioner if available.    Apply wet towels or cool water to the body, particularly at head, neck, armpits and groin. Keep changing the towels or dipping them in cool water every few minutes to provide cool water for the body. If…, 3. Rehydrate, Infants under six months: Breastfeed to rehydrate the infant. Encourage mother to also drink more water, especially if breastfeeding.  Older infants and children: Given your infant or child water in small amounts to help them become used to it.  If the child has sweated a lot or is sweating a lot, add some Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) to the water…

Heatwaves pose serious risks to children’s health and well-being. Despite the extensive risks children face from heatwaves and other climate hazards, public awareness, policy responses and financing are deeply inadequate. This policy brief outlines the severity of the problem and provides clear recommendations on how to protect children and their…, Policy Brief Beat the heat: protecting children from heatwaves in Europe and Central Asia 2Beat the heat: protecting children from heatwaves in Europe and Central Asia OverviewHeatwaves pose serious risks to childrens health and well-being. Children exposed to heatwaves are prone to a multitude of health problems ranging from heat-stroke to…