IGFM, the German section of ISHR (International Society of Human Rights), in collaboration with the Belarusian Human Rights Center “Our House” in Lithuania, provides support, educational programs, and cultural activities for Ukrainian and Belarusian refugee children. The dedicated volunteers and activists from “Our House” aim to alleviate the pain, suffering, and grief of children who have not only lost their homeland but often their loved ones as well. Many Ukrainian children have fathers serving on the frontlines, while Belarusian children frequently have one parent imprisoned as a political prisoner in Belarus. These children dearly miss their families and loved ones. They need joy and a return to a peaceful life. Additionally, some children face serious health issues such as autism, juvenile diabetes, and cancer. In Lithuania, they find themselves in the care of their mothers and sometimes their grandmothers. These children live with war and news about war, because of this many of them have a pronounced post-traumatic syndrome. Many Ukrainian children have experienced bombings, while young Belarusians have witnessed nighttime searches and witnessed their parents being beaten, and often one of their parents being arrested. Ukrainian children fear loud noises, while Belarusian children are afraid to sleep at night. Adults very often lack time, strength and energy for children, so IGFM and Our House in Lithuania extend a helping hand to these mothers, helping them provide a genuine childhood for Ukrainian and Belarusian refugee children.

There is also a second strategic goal, although it is not as pronounced.

It is no secret that Ukrainian and Belarusian refugee parents have a pronounced post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from all the sufferings they have endured. This sometimes manifests as heightened anxiety and a desire to flee anywhere they can. Additionally, sometimes some Chinese whispers lead adult refugees to believe that Germany or Western Europe would offer them a better life. Moreover, constant relocations from Ukraine/Belarus to Lithuania and then to Germany cause immense stress for refugee children, especially considering the additional challenge of adapting to a completely unfamiliar language and culture. In Lithuania, there are schools and kindergartens that specifically cater to Russian-speaking, Ukrainian-speaking, and Belarusian-speaking students. This provides a significant advantage for refugee children as they can study in their native language, which helps them better cope with the challenges of adaptation and language learning. Many Lithuanians understand Russian, and the culture and traditions are quite similar. Objectively, in Lithuania, it is easier and simpler for refugee children if there is a support infrastructure in place. IGFM and Our House strive to do everything possible to provide children with stability and confidence in tomorrow, ensuring that their parents will not seek to leave Lithuania for other destinations but rather focus on building a peaceful life here.

We have a wide range of circles and activities that take place almost every day. During weekends, we make special efforts to create opportunities for single mothers, Ukrainian and Belarusian refugees, to bring their children for a full day of engaging activities. This allows the mothers to have some much-needed time for themselves, to relax and recharge. We have art therapy, sand therapy, mask therapy, fairy tale therapy, dance, songs, and, of course, plenty of fun games. We believe that a happy and fulfilled mother can contribute to her child's happiness and well-being more effectively.

However, in addition to their work with children, IGFM, particularly IGFM Wittlich, provides crucial humanitarian assistance. Every three months, a humanitarian truck arrives in Vilnius carrying aid for Belarusian and Ukrainian refugees. People fleeing from war and terror are often deprived of the essentials, arriving with just one bag at best. They are in immediate need of essential items that one typically does not think to pack when fleeing – cups, spoons, bedding, pillows, and blankets. Their needs extend to hygiene products, chairs, clothing, and footwear. IGFM sends all these supplies to Vilnius, significantly alleviating the hardships faced by Ukrainian and Belarusian refugees. Since the beginning of the war, IGFM has supported approximately 10,000 individuals in Lithuania and Poland through their humanitarian aid efforts. This assistance provides a sense of security and hope for the future, reducing anxiety and stress levels. While Ukrainians and Belarusians eagerly await the end of the war, IGFM’s support lightens the burden they carry during this challenging time.