Over the past decade, more than a million children have died in wars waged by adults, either as civilian targets or as child soldiers in combat. The number of children injured or disabled has tripled, and more children are suffering from disease, malnutrition, sexual violence and hardship. Countless children face the fear of losing their homes, possessions and loved ones. In Ukraine, all the constants necessary for child development are severely limited, and the psychological damage of armed conflict is immeasurable. A large number of children have been separated from their parents or those in charge. War has left many children orphaned after the death of their parents, injured, maimed or disabled by the atrocities they witnessed, including as victims of sexual abuse. In this way, thousands of innocent people have fallen victim to indiscriminate attacks. Schools and even hospitals were attacked by Russian troops. They are not too young to understand what is going on, or to have no way of protecting themselves from danger. They are vulnerable and an easy target and have to grow fast.

As the result of war many children have to become adults soon, abandone their toys, friends and daily lives and experience a conflict, fear and insecurities over an uncertain future. In just a few months, thousands of boys and girls have faced stressful situations far from the stability that childhood should have. According to the latest figures from the UN refugee agency, nearly 3.5 million Ukrainians have fled the country since Russian troops crossed the border and began invading Ukraine. Nearly half of them are boys and girls, according to UNICEF estimates.
Some often avoid talking about what is going on with showing symptoms of emotional distress, others acted as nothing happened while they lose connections with other boys and girls. Many schools are still close, others have reopened their doors, others have online classes because families doesn't want students lives in bunkers creating spaces to study or just becouse the school can be bombed and the structure is not safe.

Photographer Gian Marco Benedetto document boys and girls of 14 years old while they were ‘learning how to stop the bleed’ in a traing at school in Kiev. Endless doubts and concerns occupying the minds of Ukrainian boys and girls. However, their cognitive capacity will allow them to adequately understand the language of adults, which is why they are there, attending a workshop (on hemorrhages) considered important by their families, because they receive support and information to be able to face uncertainty and be able to be safe and provide a calm environment for their loved ones and themselves.