Every child deserves security, love and a chance to fulfil their dreams. The reality, however, is that many children grow up in difficult conditions.
One in five children in Serbia is at risk of poverty, which means that, from an early age, their path toward a better future is strewn with obstacles. Some children lack basic living conditions, others lack the resources needed to learn, while many suffer violence or struggle with mental health issues and have no one to turn to.
No child should grow up without support. UNICEF is working to ensure that every child in Serbia has the opportunity to grow up healthy, to learn, and to be safe.
Now is the time to make a difference together. Your support can change a child's life – enabling them to go to school with their peers, receive the necessary support, or find a safe haven. That’s why it’s important for everyone to get involved – individuals and companies alike – to give children in Serbia what they need most: a life filled with love, support and security.
Why do children need your help?
Children at risk of poverty
Poverty is not just a lack of money; it affects every aspect of a child’s life – from health, nutrition, education and safety to the development of social and emotional skills. In Serbia, there is still a visible gap between families whose children have access to services and those whose children struggle to access kindergartens, schools and healthcare.
Bojana Kostić and Aleksandar Jovanović from Jagodina, parents of five children, struggle every day to provide the most basic necessities for their family.
“My husband... he doesn’t have a steady job, he works when someone calls him. We receive social assistance and child allowance, but once we pay rent and electricity, that money just can't cover our basic needs”, says Bojana. “My biggest worry is having enough food for the children, and milk and nappies for the baby. Sometimes we get by on meals from the Soup Kitchen.”
Aleksandar adds: “I do manual labour, construction work. I go to the scrap yard when someone calls me, but the work isn’t steady. Winter is even harder because the expenses are higher.”
UNICEF and its partners supported this family through a program aimed at helping the most vulnerable households. “We got a card and bought clothes, boots, food – what we needed most for our children. That help meant a lot because we secured the basics for our children”, says Bojana.
Thanks to donations and cooperation with local institutions, UNICEF has helped many families in Serbia who are at high risk of poverty by providing them with essential resources for a dignified life and a better future.
Meet the children and families we’ve helped
The first days of life are crucial for development
Early childhood development has a long-term impact on a child’s future. Without proper care, early stimulation and support, children can miss out on important developmental opportunities. Through its programs, UNICEF supports families and healthcare institutions in providing children with the best possible conditions for healthy growth and development from birth. This includes support for parents, healthcare professionals and early intervention services for children with disabilities.
Nika and Andrea’s story: “Before they started the FCEI program (Family-Centred Early Intervention), they couldn’t form sentences, they used some of their own words. Now they can say a lot, they talk all the time.” – Teodora, Nika and Andrea’s older sister (Kraljevo)
With the help of donors, more than 3,500 children in Serbia have received early support through the Family-Centred Early Intervention (FCEI) program, helping them develop speech and communication skills.
Every child deserves quality education
Education opens the door to a better future, but many children still need additional resources and support to reach their full potential. UNICEF supports schools and teachers in providing inclusive and quality education to children, especially children with disabilities. Our goal is for the education system to adapt to each child, to recognize different needs, talents and abilities.
Nina’s story: “I was so excited because the keyboard was colourful, big and had large letters. Using it in class made typing easier for me, and I was able to type much faster.” – Nina (Čačak)
UNICEF supports schools and teachers in Serbia in improving teaching practices and creating an environment where every child feels welcome. This includes the procurement of assistive technologies and support in developing individual education plans. When education is adapted to a child's needs, the child’s motivation to learn, self-confidence and satisfaction with achievements also grow.
Youth mental health – a topic we need to discuss
Social media and uncertainty negatively affect the mental health of young people. Many adolescents and teenagers struggle with anxiety, depression or other challenges, but often have no one to turn to or don’t know where to seek professional help. UNICEF places special emphasis on preserving the mental health of youth and develops free and confidential support services for children and youth.
Milica’s story: “Talking about mental health is nothing to be ashamed of. Talk about yourself, talk about what you need, talk about how you feel. It helped me, and I’m sure it will help you, too“. – Milica (Arandjelovac)
UNICEF helps develop programs that provide young people with free and confidential support services, helping them cope with stress, anxiety and other difficulties more easily.
Protecting children from violence
Every child has the right to grow up in a safe environment, free from fear, violence and neglect. Unfortunately, violence against children – physical, emotional, or peer-related – still exists in many settings. UNICEF works with institutions and organizations in Serbia to strengthen child protection systems, support parents and raise awareness about the importance of violence prevention.
Preventive programs that help parents use non-violent parenting methods and establish quality communication with their child are especially important. When children are in a safe environment, they can grow freely, build self-confidence and develop healthy relationships with peers and adults.
How UNICEF helps children in Serbia
Early childhood development and health
Supporting families, health workers and early intervention programs to provide children with the care and stimulation critical for proper growth and development.
Quality and inclusive education
Working with schools and families to ensure every child has access to inclusive, quality education.
Mental health of adolescents and youth
Providing accessible and free support services for children and youth to empower them to take care of their mental health.
Child protection
Strengthening systems for protecting children from violence and neglect through cooperation with institutions and organizations.
Help us make sure no child is left out
Whether it's education, healthcare or protection from violence, every donation makes a difference. Lend a hand to a child in need. Together, we can ensure that every child in Serbia grows up healthy, happy and safe.
