Ukrainian children on the move find safe place to play

Bright colours and soft sofas are not what travellers would usually expect to find at railway stations across Ukraine. But now, in an effort to make journeys easier for both parents and children, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and partners have opened a Spilno Child Spot at Lviv’s railway station.

These spaces provide families fleeing the war or returning from abroad with a moment of respite during their journeys – something Alla and her three-year-old daughter, who are returning home from Portugal, are grateful for. Here, they can forget about the stresses of war and relax in a fun and safe environment.

"Solomiya touched everything,” says Alla, who lives in Kryviy Rih but sought shelter from the violence in Lisbon for 12 months. “We also have a wigwam at home, and she loves to play in it. We built Lego and we drew a picture.”

Lviv’s Spilno Child Spot consists of a large playroom, a play tent, and a room for breastfeeding and diaper changing. Colouring books and board games are on offer, and UNICEF psychologists are available for those who need assistance. 

Two-month-old Vasyl is sleeping sweetly in the arms of his mother Olena.

"There is a place to change the baby's clothes,” says Olena, happily. “You can't do it in the middle of the train station or on the street. While here, you have conditions to change and feed your child.”

Roman, who lives in Lviv with his two sons Denys and Danylo, was surprised to see such a welcoming space for families at the station.

"When I arrived, I didn't even have time to look around before I found myself standing in my shoe covers playing with the kids here. Imagine that you just come to take a look, but your child immediately starts playing.” 

Alyona and her six-year-old son Sasha fled the war in Kherson. At the Spilno Child Spot, she can get advice from specialists and her son can play in safety.

"I think it's really important that my child can do interesting activities under supervision,” she adds. “You can relax, sitting in a quiet corner." 

Lviv’s Spilno Child Space is free to use around the clock, seven days a week. It is located in the central lobby of the railway station.

Between March 2022 and March 2023, more than 150 Spilno locations across the country welcomed more than 775,000 visitors, including 480,000 children.