What is the “HOVORY” program?

“HOVORY” is a program for adults who work with children and want to create a safe environment in their institutions. It combines training, practical tools, and precise action algorithms for risk situations. The program was developed in response to the 2024 study “A school that is safe for children” conducted by the Child Dignity Center of UCU in 70 schools in the Lviv community. The study showed that only one-third of children feel calm at school, and many do not know whom to turn to in unsafe situations.

“We started in Lviv and saw that a culture of safety for children can work systematically. This is not about slogans, but about concrete tools: response protocols, trained responsible staff, a reporting button for children, and educational materials. Now we are ready to share this experience with the whole country, because a child’s right to protection has no borders,” says Nataliia Tarnovska, Head of Education Programs at the Child Dignity Center UCU and Manager of the “HOVORY” project.

Who is the program for?

The “HOVORY” program is helpful for everyone who works with children and wants to act responsibly and confidently:

• teachers and school teams;

• school principals and safety coordinators;

• staff of libraries, youth centers, and leisure spaces;

• NGOs and youth organizations;

• teams of educational, sports, and cultural projects;

• community representatives who want to implement a systemic approach to child protection.

What participants receive

Participants of the “HOVORY” program receive a comprehensive solution to build a safe environment for children. The program includes ready-made educational materials for different age groups — online courses, exercises, posters, and interactive tasks on personal safety. Educators and teams receive methodological support, including lesson plans and guidance for working with sensitive topics. A separate component is a clear safeguarding model with practical steps for building a culture of trust and support in schools and child-focused spaces. The program also supports professional development through online meetings with experts.

The Academic Council of the Faculty of Health Sciences of UCU developed the program. After successful completion, each participant receives a certificate worth 1 ECTS credit. This work is about consistency, responsibility, and the everyday practice of protecting children.

When experience becomes shared

The project launched 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. The initiative trained more than 3,500 educators, and around 80,000 students attended personal safety lessons..

In addition to the strong educational component, a “HOVORY” safety button was added to electronic school diaries. It allows children to confidentially report cases of bullying, violence, humiliation, or verbal and physical abuse.

“It is critically important for us that educational institutions become spaces of safety — free from aggression and bullying. We want children to grow up in an environment with clear boundaries, mutual respect, and an understanding of how to respond to aggression without violence. This is how we raise a generation that feels protected and resilient. The ‘HOVORY’ project has proven effective in Lviv schools, and we are ready to scale it and share our experience with other communities that seek to build safe and healthy educational environments,” says Olesia Mandziuk, Head of the Education Development Department of the Lviv City Council.

Taking the “HOVORY” program beyond Lviv is a step toward creating safe environments for children across Ukraine. It offers schools and organizations access to tested solutions and the opportunity to become part of a community united by shared values of care and child protection.