Ukraine

Ukraine is facing increasing drug and alcohol misuse. It also has the fastest growing rate of HIV infection in the world, with the majority of cases in young people being linked to intravenous drug use.

Alcohol misuse is linked to larger structural constraints within the Ukraine, including corruption, the existence of a strong black market and rapid social change and transition, exacerbated by past events including former Soviet President Gorbachev's prohibition-based campaign.

Children in Crisis in Ukraine

Children in Crisis is working in the city of Kharkov in partnership with the Oleksandr Feldman Foundation to deliver drug and alcohol education to children in primary schools and the first two years of secondary schools.

The curriculum is based on our United Kingdom based d:side programme. Using anatomical models and specialised resources, the programme allows children access to interactive learning delivered by highly trained educators within their own classrooms.

The programme has been endorsed by the local Ministry of Education, who are keen to see the work continue and expand to all schools across the city. Children in Crisis is currently developing materials and piloting school staff training to expand and ensure the programme's long term sustainability.

Children in Crisis reaches 3735 primary school children and 3420 young people in the first two years of secondary school through the programme every year.