Largest-ever UNICEF Spilno Spot opens at Kyiv railway station
The new space gives children a chance to feel safe despite the war, thanks to a partnership between Ukrzaliznytsia and UNICEF
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Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have opened their largest-ever children's safe space at Kyiv’s central railway station, where youngsters and their parents can rest, play educational games, and receive health care and mental health services.
With a footprint of 700 square metres, the new Spilno Child Spot is the most extensive to date, with other spots having opened in Kharkiv and Lviv. It has several unique sections – a sports and play area created by the JuniorS Healthy Youth Movement, a football corner by FC Lokomotiv, and a science museum with railway exhibits by the Minor Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
"It was important for us not only to create a high-quality children's zone, but also to provide a tangible example of systematic care for all passengers at all stages of their journey,” says Yevhen Lyashchenko, the Chairman of Ukrzaliznytsia. “This also showcases the transformations in Ukraine that are happening despite the war, so this will encourage Ukrainian families to return to Ukraine. The four million Ukrainians evacuated by Ukrzaliznytsia trains, mostly women and children, are the future of our country, and we must create all the conditions for their comfortable return.”
"It is no coincidence that this area is designed in a ‘green’ style, where a modern high-speed train is surrounded by wildlife, emphasising the railroad's environmental friendliness and its concern for a sustainable future,” continues Mr. Lyashchenko. “Focusing on the future and the development of a healthy and educated nation, we have also engaged our friends from JuniorS and the Minor Academy of Sciences in the project. And of course, we thank UNICEF for the systematic partnership, as they have already helped us improve the experience of our youngest passengers on trains and now continue to do so at the railway stations. And this cooperation definitely will not end at this point."
The new Spilno Spot, dubbed ‘Iron Land’, is designed to ensure the comfortable stay of parents with children and includes areas for recharging smartphones and convenient waiting areas for parents. Children, too, can relax, play and learn in the space, with a large play area for children aged 3–16 years, a library, games and a model of a real high-speed Tarpan train on show, with access to the driver's cab. Private breastfeeding rooms and changing rooms are also available.
“Spilno Spots serve as points of stability for children,” notes UNICEF Ukraine Representative Murat Sahin. “Here, children spend time with their peers playing and learning. The Spilno network is also a platform for integrated services from UNICEF. By opening the biggest Spilno Spot in Ukraine in the Kyiv train station, we are giving children from all over Ukraine the opportunity to fulfil their potential and feel safe despite the war. Children who are participating in developmental activities today, will be tomorrow’s leaders for the recovery of Ukraine.”
The Spilno Spot at Kyiv’s Central Railway Station is open from 06:00 to 23:00. Professional animators and psychologists from UNICEF will be in attendance.
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