From Lviv to All of Ukraine: The “SPEAK UP” Program Helps Communities Build Safe Spaces for Children
The Child Dignity Center of UCU is launching the “SPEAK UP” educational program for communities, schools, and civil society across Ukraine. After a successful pilot in the Lviv community, the team is making the program publicly available so that any institution working with children can implement a modern and effective system for their protection.
What the “SPEAK UP” Program Is
“SPEAK UP” is a program for adults who work with children and want to create a safe environment within their institution. It combines training, practical tools, and clear action algorithms for situations of risk. The program was developed in response to the “School Safe for the Child” research, conducted by the Child Dignity Center of UCU in 2024 across 70 schools in the Lviv community. The study showed that only one-third of children currently feel safe at school, and many do not know whom to turn to in case of danger.
“We started in Lviv and saw that a culture of safety for children can work systematically. And it’s not just about words — it’s about concrete tools: response algorithms, trained responsible adults, a button for children to report concerns, and educational materials. Now we are ready to share this experience with the whole country, because every child’s right to protection knows no borders,” says Nataliya Tarnovska, Head of Projects and Programs, Education Direction, Child Dignity Center of UCU, and Project Manager of “SPEAK UP.”
Who the Program Is For
The “SPEAK UP” program is useful for anyone working with children who wants to act responsibly and confidently:
- teachers and educational teams;
- school directors and those responsible for safety;
- library staff, youth centers, and leisure spaces;
- civil society and youth organizations;
- teams of educational, sports, and cultural projects;
- community representatives seeking a systemic approach to child protection.
What Participants Receive
Participants in the “SPEAK UP” program receive a comprehensive solution for creating a safe environment for children. The program includes ready-made educational materials for different age groups — online courses, exercises, posters, and interactive activities on personal safety rules. Educators and teams receive methodological support, including lesson plans and guidance for working with sensitive topics.
A key component is a clear safeguarding model with practical steps to foster trust and support within schools or child spaces. The program also provides professional development through online meetings with experts.
The program is accredited by the Academic Council of the Faculty of Science and Health at UCU. Upon successful completion, each participant receives a certificate for 1 ECTS credit. These resources focus on systematic approaches, responsibility, and daily practice in child protection.
When Experience Becomes Shared
The project began in October in 128 schools of the Lviv community, in partnership with the Lviv City Council, the Department of Humanitarian Policy, and the Department of Education and Culture. More than 3,500 educators were trained through the initiative, and approximately 80,000 students completed lessons on personal safety.
In addition to its educational component, a “SPEAK UP” safety button was added to electronic gradebooks. It allows children to confidentially report bullying, violence, humiliation, or verbal and physical abuse.
“For us, it is crucial that educational institutions are centers of safety — spaces free from aggression and bullying. We want children to grow up in environments with clear boundaries, mutual respect, and understanding of how to respond to aggression without violence. This is how a generation grows up feeling protected and resilient. The “SPEAK UP” project, which has been successfully implemented in Lviv schools, is now ready to be scaled and shared with other communities that want to build safe and healthy educational spaces,” says Olesya Mandziuk, Head of the Department of Education Development at Lviv City Council.
The rollout of “SPEAK UP” beyond Lviv is a step toward creating safe environments for children in communities across Ukraine. It is an opportunity for schools and organizations to use proven solutions and be part of a community united by shared values of care and child protection.
You can register for the program via the link provided.
