Inside a safe space

At our safe spaces, children who have been affected by disasters, conflicts or emergencies can remember how to laugh, play and be themselves. 

Hear what these places mean to them, in their own words.

For children who’ve fled bombs in Gaza for safety in Egypt, opportunities for creativity and fun are rare. 

But at Save the Children’s safe space near Cairo - made possible by supporters like you - refugee children are finding new focus. Award-winning photographer and Save the Children ambassador, Misan Harriman, hosted a workshop at our space, designed to help children from Gaza learn new skills, make happy memories, and tell their story their way. 

When earthquakes struck Venezuela, everything 11-year-old Alba* knew changed. Her home was destroyed, her school closed and friends were suddenly gone. 

Alba now lives with her mum, Rosa Icela*, in a temporary shelter, where everyday tasks like cooking, sleeping and using the bathroom have become a challenge. For Rosa Icela, protecting her daughter is a constant worry. But because of you, both Alba and her mum are finding small moments of hope. 

Alba spends her days drawing, playing and enjoying activities at a Save the Children space, where she can simply be a child. Rosa Icela is grateful for the support, knowing that play and routine are vital for children living through crisis. Although things are uncertain, these moments of normality are helping Alba smile again. 
 

When war broke out in Ukraine, Anastasiia*, 8, and her family were forced to leave their hometown. 

Anastasiia and her brother Bohdan* are still anxious, but one place offers relief and stability: the Child Friendly Space run by Save the Children and local partners, made possible with support from people like you.

Here, children can feel like children again. They draw, play board games, take part in creative and educational activities and learn English. Anastasiia has even learned how to sew, and proudly shows her mum the toys and candle holder she created here.

Ammar* is 11 years old. He loves football, and Lionel Messi is his favourite player.  

After their house was bombed, Ammar, his parents and his younger brother had to leave Iraq on foot to find safety. As they escaped, Ammar stepped on a landmine. He survived - but he lost his leg.

For a long time, life in a displacement camp in Syria was incredibly hard for Ammar. He watched other children run, play football and go to school - while he was left out and became increasingly withdrawn.

That began to change when Ammar started attending a school and Child Friendly Space made possible by people like you. He found a place where he was included - where he made friends, played games, and discovered a love of drawing that brings him comfort and hope. Now he dreams of being an artist when he grows up.

“I will never forget the smile on his face after he came back from his first day” his mum Hafiza* told us. 
 

*Names changed to keep children and their families safe.