Konecranes, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and service providers of lifting equipment, has launched a partnership with Save the Children to support children’s learning and mental health in war-torn Ukraine.
The war has permanently changed the lives of 7.5 million children in Ukraine. Airstrikes, displacement, and severe psychological stress have become part of everyday life for children.
About 1.2 million children, one in three school-aged children in Ukraine, started this autumn their fourth consecutive school year disrupted by repeated interruptions to learning. Children and young people attend school either fully or partially online. Since the start of the full-scale war in February 2022, an estimated 400,000 children have not set foot in a classroom at all. In addition, 780,000 children alternate between one week of remote learning and one week of in-person classes.
More than 4,000 schools and kindergartens have been damaged or destroyed. The constant threat of airstrikes and shelling also prevents the use of still functioning schools unless they have bomb shelters where children can take cover during attacks.
School closures have long-term effects not only on learning but also on children’s mental health. Schooling is not just about learning and test scores; it is also crucial for children’s social development and emotional well-being. Without in-person schooling, many children have forgotten how to interact with their peers.
Konecranes supports children’s learning and mental health amidst the war
An estimated 2 million homes have been damaged or destroyed. Many families live in damaged homes they cannot afford to repair before winter. Poverty is rising dramatically, especially in Eastern Ukraine. Children and families living near the frontlines are exhausted and lack basic necessities needed for survival.
“Konecranes is deeply concerned about the impact of the war on children in Ukraine, especially in areas closest to the frontlines. As a company, we have a strong presence in Ukraine, and we want to support the country’s reconstruction and societal resilience. Save the Children’s important work for Ukraine’s young generations aligns perfectly with this goal,” says Minna Aila, EVP, Corporate Affairs & Brand at Konecranes.
Konecranes’ support is significant for Save the Children’s work in Ukraine.
“We are extremely grateful for Konecranes’ significant support, which helps ensure that children can continue their education during the war and strengthens the mental health of children and young people in Ukraine. Children should be able to be children and continue to meet and play with friends even during the war,” says Anne Haaranen, Director of International Programs at Save the Children Finland.
Save the Children has been working in Ukraine since 2014 and has scaled up operations since the war escalated in February 2022. Together with partners, the organization has established 90 digital learning centers equipped with all necessary digital tools and devices, as well as trained facilitators who provide learning and well-being support. We have also funded the renovation of about 70 schools and kindergartens across the country and delivered laptops and tablets to areas where schools remain closed. Save the Children also provides psychosocial support to help children recover from traumatic experiences.
Learn more about corporate partnership opportunities with Save the Children from here.
Camilla Ekholm
Manager, Global Corporate Partnerships
