New Children's Day Center in Ukraine: Activities and Education for Disabled Children and Their Parents

Through the newly-founded Children's Day Center program in Kharkov, Ukraine, youngsters participate in arts and crafts, music classes, and educational games. They are encouraged to create projects, interact with other children, and learn about Jewish traditions. Far from a typical school, this program is distinguished by its students; most of the 30 children, ages 8 to 14, are physically or mentally disabled.

The program was inspired by the JDC-sponsored Jewish Children's Initiative, a program developed to provide urgent humanitarian care for children throughout the FSU. Developed, supported, and staffed by a Hesed in Ukraine, the Children's Day Center group meets every day at the Hesed or a JCC.

The Center's professional staff, including methodologists, psychologists and teachers affiliated with the Hesed, engage the students in exercise therapy, games and training. They also provide participants with medical consultations.

Uniquely, parents take on a major, integrated role in the education; they join in legal, medical, and psychological consultations relevant to their youngsters, and study Jewish traditions as a family.

The Opening Ceremonies of the Children's Day Center took place on July 27th, 2003 and received wide media coverage in the Ukraine. Many community members, among them the Director and Board Chairman of the Hesed, joined in the momentous event.