In recent years, education in Ukraine has faced unimaginable challenges due to the ongoing war. Schools and kindergartens have been destroyed, and families displaced, leaving countless children without access to safe learning environments.
We recognize that while rebuilding takes time, the need for education and emotional support cannot wait. That's why, with the support of 30+ dedicated partner companies, we’ve transformed a bus into a mobile kindergarten, training center, and therapy space, to bring much-needed resources to Kherson in Ukraine.
The Fun Academy on Wheels project, launched in collaboration with Ukrainian education authorities, aims to provide not only early childhood education but also psychosocial support to children who have experienced trauma. By creating a space where children can feel safe, play, and learn, we address more than just educational needs. As one child who saw our bus said, “It brings happiness.” This is what we aim to deliver—moments of joy, stability, and hope.
The Power of Psychosocial Support in Early Childhood
As Ukrainian psychologist Olga Dedov pointed out, children living in war zones are under immense stress. They suffer from loss, fear, and trauma, and their mental health is deeply affected. Without immediate support, these experiences can leave lasting scars. That’s why Fun Academy on Wheels places a strong emphasis on providing psychosocial support. Through guided and free play, creative activities, and emotional guidance, we aim to help children regain a sense of normalcy.
In collaboration with experts, we have designed programs that not only support children but also train the adults around them—teachers, parents, and volunteers—on how to create stable, nurturing environments. By involving the community, we hope to build a strong support system for the next generation.
Play-Based Learning and Psychosocial Well-Being
Fun Academy’s philosophy is aligned with the Finnish approach to early childhood education in its emphasis on learning through play. One of the key principles is the belief that children learn best when they are engaged, curious, and active participants in their own learning.
This play-based Fun Learning approach is especially crucial in trauma-affected areas like Ukraine. Play provides children with a natural and safe way to express their emotions, process difficult experiences, and regain a sense of control over their environment. Research shows that play is not only vital for cognitive development but also for emotional healing. It allows children to explore, experiment, and make sense of their world, which is why creating a space for play is at the heart of our mobile kindergarten initiative.
In Fun Academy On Wheels, we incorporate learning tools and outdoor games like discgolf and cornhole. These activities serve a dual purpose: they promote physical health while offering emotional relief. In regions where children have faced immense stress, these moments of playful learning are not just about education—they are about healing.
Why Mobility Matters; Reaching Vulnerable Communities
The flexibility of Fun Academy On Wheels is its greatest strength. Unlike a traditional school building, our bus can move to where it is needed most. This means we can reach children in remote areas or those displaced by conflict. Importantly, the bus also serves as a digital hub, introducing educational content to a broader audience and providing remote professional development for educators.
When new schools and kindergartens cannot be built quickly enough, our bus provides an essential bridge—ensuring that children continue to have access to education and emotional care. This hybrid model ensures no child is left behind, even in regions hardest hit by the war.
Creating a Future Full of Possibilities
This project is about more than providing a temporary solution to an urgent problem. It’s about laying the foundation for long-term change. As Nataliya Sofiy from the Ukrainian Institute of Education Development mentioned, investing in early childhood care has the highest return. When children feel supported, they become more resilient and capable of building better futures—for themselves and their communities.
Fun Academy On Wheels is a symbol of resilience and hope. It stands for the belief that every child deserves a chance to learn, grow, and feel valued, no matter the circumstances. By bringing together solid education principles, psychosocial support, and the mobility to reach those most in need, we are committed to making a lasting impact. We’re not just building a bus; we’re building a future.
For more information about the project, including practical experiences and ongoing developments, visit the Fun Academy on Wheels project page.