The Slovenian Section of IBBY – International Board on Books for Young People

War is a time when those who decide to wage it forget about their childhood, one day to the next. They forget how helpless they felt as children when their parents ignored them or forced them to do things they didn’t want to do. In war, adults also force children into something they don’t want: every war causes masses of children to flee their homes. It drives them from their room, from their school, from their schoolyard, from their street; it drives them away from home. They can’t take their things with them, maybe only something small like a toy or a book. If they are lucky, refugee children and their parents come to a country where they are received kindly. Yet adults are often cold-hearted and scared, even if we don’t want to admit it. We don’t help all children alike. We tend to look away if they’re not dressed well, if they’re not clean and their hair is not combed, if they don’t all have the same skin tone, if they don’t behave how we think they should and if they’re not grateful for every single thing we give them. And that’s not right. In fact, that’s really wrong. But at least this time, we as adults did not fail refugee children that much, not that very much.

Now war is being waged very close to us. Only a day’s and another day’s car ride away. It has forced many children to flee their homes. Many day cares and schools of children. They are also coming to Slovenia and many more will come. All are hoping that the war will be over soon and that they’ll be able to go back home. Yet at least their grandmothers and grandfathers sense that this might not be the case.

Any child that has to leave their home is devastated. It’s even worse if they can’t leave with all their loved ones. What can you do to make it easier for these children? Play with them. Notice them, invite them to join you and play with them. Spring is coming and then summer. You can play outside, in the park, at home or at school, anywhere. Just play with them. The best you know how.

We will be grateful.

Peter Svetina