On June 4, a round table “Generation Resilience: Teenagers, War, Education” took place, which brought together specialists, educators, parents, and everyone who works with children and youth. The meeting was organized by the Jesuit Refugee Service in Ukraine (JRS – Ukraine).
During the round table, a space for open dialogue was created about the role of education in developing teenagers’ resilience and their sense of security in wartime. They discussed what shapes teenagers’ experiences today: the impact of war on their psycho-emotional state, the need for a safe environment, the challenges of the digital world, the role of adults nearby, and the importance of relationships built on trust, respect, and support. The experiences of educators, representatives of public organizations, parents, and teenagers themselves were combined to better understand their needs and seek effective approaches to support.
For us, in Caritas Ukraine’s safeguarding direction, it is important to talk not only about responding to risks but also about creating a culture of safety – an environment where a child is heard, their boundaries are respected, and adults have the knowledge and tools to provide support. This meeting was not only a discussion but also yielded key questions for future meetings and further work of specialists.
Anastasia Nabokova, Manager for the Implementation of Child Protection Policies and Systems at Caritas Ukraine, participated in the round table.
