The climate crisis and the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters affect us all but especially children, who face a heightened risk of both physical and psychological consequences.

In response, UNICEF and SolidarityNow (SN) are implementing a pilot project in collaboration with six (6) municipalities across Greece. The initiative aims to strengthen child-centered approaches and support the active participation of children and young people in the prevention and response to natural disasters.

The project’s main objective is to support municipalities and local stakeholders in protecting children throughout the entire disaster management cycle (prevention, response and recovery), thereby enhancing their resilience.

Adopting a holistic and cross-sectoral approach, the project brings together civil protection services, social services, educational institutions, volunteer groups, civil society organizations, and more, fostering dialogue and cooperation.

Following a mapping of needs and priorities in each participating municipality, SN will carry out training and capacity-building activities for local stakeholders, focusing on the following areas:

• Supporting stakeholders in educating children on:

– the climate crisis, natural disasters, and measures for prevention, preparedness, and self-protection;

-local disaster response plans, evacuation procedures, and available community support resources.

• Training stakeholders in practical care techniques for children during and after a crisis, such as Psychological First Aid (PFA), with special attention to the most vulnerable groups of children (e.g., children with disabilities).

The project is funded by UNICEF Greece.