Supporting refugees on Ukrainian borders

To most, the Quokka is simply a small, cheerful-looking marsupial from Australia. At IsraAID Ukraine, however, this creature has taken on a deeper meaning—becoming a symbol of joyand resiliencefor countless displaced Ukrainian children. 

The Quokka became the beloved mascot of IsraAID's Child-Friendly Spaces (CFSs) through a creative voting process. Children of all ages painted their handprints on their favorite mascot design, and the Quokka emerged as the clear winner. This moment of child-led decision-making gave participants a sense of agency in shaping their environment, fostering a deeper connection to the spaces designed for their well-being. From this, the name "Quokka Hubs" was born, signifying a new identity for the existing CFSs while maintaining their original purpose of providing safe, nurturing environments. 

IsraAID's child protection and mental health teams have integrated the cheerful critter into various resources, such as coloring pages, mood thermometers, labyrinths, stickers, and more. With its constant smile, the Quokka has become a powerful tool in helping children identify and process their emotions and strengthen their emotional resilience.  

Since the outbreak of war, IsraAID’s network of Quokka Hubs has been rapidly expanding to meet the growing needs of children and families.This past fall,our team added five new mobile hubs that act as shelters to protect from rocket shrapnel, drone strikes, and blast waves. In 2024 alone, these mobile shelters havesupportedmore than 500 children, while the stationary Quokka Hub provided safe spaces for more than 400 children. Quokka Hubs also help parents and caregivers by offering mental health workshops to combat burnout.When parents are able to tend to their own needs, they are not only better equipped to care for themselves but also better able to support and nurture their children.By addressing the needs of children and adults, Quokka Hubs create a ripple effect of resilience that extends throughout communities.    

A*, a facilitator at IsraAID’s Quokka Hub in Murakhivka, captured the initiative's significance perfectly: "This collaboration revived our village. After the frightful days of war, after so much loss and destruction, our children were adrift, almost running wild. But now they come together. We light the stoves to make the space warm and cozy for the kids. The games, exercises, and activities are so engaging that the children never want to leave."  

Quokka Hubs are more than just Child-Friendly Spaces; they are lifelines of hope for whole communities affected by war. These hubs empower families to find strength and stability amid uncertainty by fostering joy, connection, growth, and healing. Thanks to the commitment of our partners, donors, and team, Quokka Hubs will continue to light the way for countless Ukrainian children and families