About the Project

“HOVORY” (“Speak Up”) is the first project in Ukraine designed to foster a culture of safety for children in schools. We started in Lviv and now aim to spread this culture across Ukraine.

This initiative helps city institutions become safer and more child-friendly. We develop systems to prevent bullying and violence, introduce safety rules and standards, and educate children and adults in various sectors — from education and sports to healthcare, culture, and transportation — on how to act in difficult situations.

Numbers That Speak

View the research

36%

68%

59%

children feel calm at school

students say that friendly relationships with teachers and classmates have the most significant impact on their sense of safety

children believe that a teacher trained in safety is more effective than the presence of a police officer

The research study “A School That Is Safe for Children” conducted by the Ukrainian Catholic University’s Child Dignity Center across 70 schools in the Lviv community, served as the foundation for the “HOVORY” project.

Primary School

Middle School

High School

Online course for children
Grades 1 - 4

Online course for children
Grades 10 - 11

Online course for children
Grades 5 - 9

Educational Materials for Children

The “HOVORY” Certificate Program

for adults working with children

If you are an educational institution, an organization working with children, or an active community striving to create a safe environment for children and youth, we invite you to join the “HOVORY” certificate program.

The educational platform includes ready-to-use materials and tools to ensure protection is systematic and effective.

“We strive to create a culture where every child knows we hear their voice. What began in Lviv can become a standard for all of Ukraine.”

128 schools

3,500 educators

80,000 students

have implemented the “HOVORY” project safety system

have been trained

have completed the
“Your Personal Safety” training

Activities

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Why Lviv City Government Supports and Is Implementing the “HOVORY” Project

“Creating a safe educational environment is our priority,” says Olesia Mandziuk.

11/11/2025

Results of the “HOVORY” Marathon for High School Students

10 teams of Lviv students won the “HOVORY” marathon, with around 100 students participating overall

09/12/2025

The “HOVORY” Certificate Program for Adults Working with Children

From Lviv to all of Ukraine: the program helps communities build safe spaces for children

22/12/2025

Chubchyk is Now Available in Our Shop

Chubchyk is the purple safety superhero of the “HOVORY” project. He helps children learn in a friendly and straightforward way how to talk about boundaries, emotions, and what worries them. He can be used in classrooms or at home as a soft companion that reminds children: “You matter. Your feelings matter. Speak up, if you’re not OK.”

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