Hope in Conflict: How Children in Ukraine are Learning Lifesaving Skills Amid the Chaos of War

In Yuzhne, a small port city on the Black Sea, devastation has become an unsettling part of life. Just last week, a missile strike took a local woman’s life, a painful reminder of how conflict touches even those far from the frontlines. Yet, in this community shadowed by fear, hope emerged as 33 young people gathered for REACT’s Incident Management Training, stepping forward with courage to learn the skills that could one day save a life.

Among these brave participants were children, ages 13 to 16, who answered the call of their school director to help their community. Despite their young age, the children arrived at the training with remarkable resolve, understanding that they were learning not only for themselves but for their families, friends, and neighbours. They learned how to tend to wounds, manage injuries, and keep each other safe if disaster strikes again.

For these young people, the world around them is heavy with reminders of war. The beaches of Yuzhne, once peaceful, are now littered with mines, and debris from distant cities washes ashore. Air raid sirens and drone alerts interrupt daily life, turning normal routines into tense moments of waiting. Yet, even in this setting, these young people are choosing strength, stepping forward to learn how to protect one another when needed.

Beyond the physical scars, war takes a heavy toll on Ukraine’s children. Their sense of safety and innocence are often the first casualties, leaving them with constant uncertainty about what tomorrow might bring. The training they received through REACT, in partnership with local leaders like Illia Yurchenko and the Youth Centre of Yuzhne, has brought a new kind of resilience—one grounded in skills and knowledge.

During the training, they listened intently, practised with focus, and supported one another. They learned how to stop a bleed, how to treat a burn, and how to care for a friend until help can arrive. These skills are vital in a region where help isn’t always close and threats are ever-present. As one young participant shared, “If something happens, I’ll know what to do.”

But the training gave them more than just the tools to respond in an emergency—it offered hope. In teaching these children skills that help them protect and care for one another, REACT gave them a small amount of control in a world that often feels chaotic and dangerous. The training will help them feel empowered rather than helpless. 

It’s a reminder that even in times of uncertainty, they have the ability to make a difference.