Children’s right to play, leisure and education is threatened during and after emergency situations. Many young children living in refugee homes arrive in their host country after a dangerous journey, and potentially traumatic experiences. Life has changed, and the new living environment is different — and often not child friendly. Many parents suffer from high levels of stress and find it difficult to provide their children with the comfort, support and incentives they need to develop and learn.

The ECD Activity Cards were developed by UNICEF and ISSA as a practical tool to support the planning of Early Learning and Play Groups (ELPG) as part of the daily management of Child Friendly Spaces (CFS) in refugee homes. The cards are designed to create physically and psychologically safe spaces where children feel welcome, valued and empowered to learn and develop — helping to alleviate psychological distress and re-establish stability.

The ECD activity cards can also be used to strengthen parent-child bonds and to support educational and accountable care by providing caregivers with ideas for activities they can use to help children play and relax.

Available in English, Bulgarian, Romania, Russian, Ukrainian, German.