WHAT CAN TEENAGERS DO TO HELP IN TIMES OF WAR?
We know you want to make a difference. But before you take action, keep in mind that your safety is the first priority. You can only be effective if you are physically and emotionally safe.
Choose one or two areas in which you will be helping. In this way, you can save your energy and be effective for much longer. Unfortunately, you cannot do everything.
Taking rest is important. In addition to volunteering, your studies, family, and hobbies require your energy. You should not overlook rest; without it, you can burn out very quickly.
Help with your hands
· Weave camouflage nets: Schools and humanitarian centers organize volunteer groups, so bring your green cloth and join in.
· Sort humanitarian aid: Humanitarian centers often need an extra hand to process tons of aid from abroad.
· Deliver food and medicines to lonely elderly people: Start with your neighbors, as they may be the ones who need your help.
· Support animals: Shelters often need help with animal care, and internally displaced persons with their pets often need support as well.
Support through conversation
· Join phone volunteering: The My Phone Friend project team will match you with a person with whom you can start a phone friendship. To do this, sign up on the project’s website.
· Support children of internally displaced persons: Playing together, reading a book aloud, or learning can be really helpful for those who have experienced the horror of war in dangerous areas.
Help in the IT sector
· Perform tasks on the cyber front: To do this, follow the Telegram channel of IT ARMY of Ukraine.
· Volunteer on the information front: Share posts and comments in different languages about the situation in Ukraine and appeal to famous people.
· Support Ukraine on social media, debunk fakes, and spread helpful information.
· Engage in creativity: Create illustrations, songs, and poems, as this supports Ukrainians and, at the same time, helps to express your own emotions.