what is a safe space?
Safe spaces, or Child-friendly spaces are places where children can remember how to laugh, play and be themselves.
Safe spaces are protected areas set up by our staff, together with members of the local community.
Eva*, 15, places item on her photo during a creative workshop in Zaatari Refugee Camp, Jordan.
'We tend to talk about ‘refugees’ or ‘traumatised children’ in plural.
But the fact is that there’s an individual child behind every refugee and every trauma. Each with his or her own name, face, character, dreams, wishes, sorrow, memories and loved ones.
The goal of the safe spaces that Save the Children is running is to bring back the individual child.'
Sabine Copinga in a blog from Zaatari camp on the Syrian border in Jordan.
What you’ll find on this page
Navigate to key sections by clicking on the links below.
SEE THEM FOR YOURSELF
PLAY IS SO IMPORTANT
At Child Friendly Spaces all around the world, children get the chance to be kids again - and it's amazing to see.
“Each time I play football, I feel as if I am in a big stadium and thousands of people are watching me." says Dana*, 13.
Dana lives in a camp for displaced people in Syria. She and her family fled Iraq in 2019 to escape violence. At first, Dana felt alone and disconnected—until she found her spark again through football.
With support from Save the Children, Dana rediscovered her confidence and started the camp’s first all-girls football team—breaking barriers and inspiring others.
“This playground makes me feel that the coming days will be better”
- Dana*, 13
Being themselves again
For many of us, picking up a camera, a pen, or paintbrush is a way to express ourselves. For children from Gaza, now living in Egypt, these tools helped them make sense of the world, their dreams and aspirations, amidst the harrowing war on their homeland.
“The best thing I own is my camera, because by having it with me I am able to document the happy beautiful moments in every second and moment as reference for me,” says Toleen*, 12.
Toleen is one of many children from Gaza who fled to Egypt in search of safety. With support from Save the Children, Toleen joined a creative workshop led by our Ambassador, Oscar-nominated director and photographer Misan Harriman. There, she and other children captured their world through photos, drawings, and words—creating scrapbooks full of hope and resilience.
In the midst of uncertainty, our Safe Space helped her to rediscover how to play and be herself again.
A safe space
"Here, there are no soldiers, no gunfire, nothing bad." said Fatima*, 11, to her mother.
Our Child Friendly Spaces are here to support children, to help them rediscover themselves, but also, to help them regain a sense of safety.
An average of one child every 10 seconds has been forced to flee their homes since the conflict began in Sudan two years ago, according to new analysis from Save the Children. To mark this devastating milestone the Charity commissioned Sudanese illustrator, Shiroug Idris, to tell the story of one of these children, Fatima*, aged 11, to highlight the impact of war on their lives.
Fatima* was forced to flee her home in Al-Jazirah state after violent clashes erupted. A bullet shattered her window as she slept. Her family escaped, but threats and violence followed them through several villages until they reached safety in Gedaref.
At the reception centre, Save the Children provided essentials—food, blankets, clothes, and more—to help them begin again.
Fatima* now attends school and the Child Friendly Space, where she’s taking part in activities such as art, sports, and structured play, to help process her trauma, build resilience, and regain her sense of identity and confidence.
Looking after their mental health
“At the start of each session, they ask about her mood and how her day was,” says Ivanna*, mother of seven-year-old Emiliya*. “It’s not just about drawing or activities—they care about the child’s inner experiences.”
Living near the frontline in Ukraine’s Sumy region, Ivanna* has faced the unimaginable while raising two young children and preparing for a third. Her youngest, Denis*, was just hours old when she had to carry him into a hospital shelter during an air raid. For Emiliya*, the war has meant fear, displacement, and nights filled with the sound of sirens.
“At that time, I noticed she became more withdrawn,” Ivanna recalls.
But at Save the Children’s Child Friendly Space, Emiliya* has found a place to feel safe, express herself, and connect with others. The support has helped her regain confidence and joy, even in the midst of conflict.
“My principle is that we must ensure a safe, happy, and diverse childhood for our children,” Ivanna* says. “If you notice the war is affecting them—don’t hesitate to seek help.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT SAFE SPACES MEAN TO KIDS
Fatima*, Tomal*, Hasima* and Aleisha* attend a safe space in Bangladesh. They tell us a bit about what they've learnt and why they enjoy going there to play.
When I grow up I want to work at the Child Friendly Space and be a staff person. I want to help other children. I want to help children get better, like me, I have become educated and happier. The Child Friendly Space is my favourite place to be.
- Aleisha, 13, Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh
FINDING THEMSELVES
Through the child-friendly spaces, our staff and volunteers offer children support as they do the ‘work’ to find themselves again.
‘It’s a gift to become someone special to the children. To teach them how valuable they are’
Dalgis Alandete, tutor at a safe space in Venesuela
'Children start to laugh again, simply because something funny happens.'
Sabine Copinga, communications adviser, Zaatari camp safe space, Jordan
