War continues to shake Iran and its neighboring countries, with children increasingly becoming victims, among the dead and seriously injured, in places where they should feel safest: their homes, schools, and communities. On August 1, 2026, a tragic incident occurred on the island of Keshm along Iran’s southern coast, where a two-year-old child was killed alongside both parents during an attack on a residential building. According to reports, two other children were reportedly injured in the same assault. This incident serves as another painful reminder that children across the region continue to pay the highest price. In the past five months alone, over 4,000 children have been killed or wounded in six regional countries, with more than 2,500 of them in Iran, where 386 children have been killed and 2,117 injured, according to reports. Children bear the heaviest burden of conflicts they did not start and cannot stop. UNICEF has called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. Ceasefires must be fully respected and implemented. All sides must take all possible measures to immediately halt violence and ensure the protection of children wherever they are located. UNICEF Slovenia is collecting funds to help children affected by the crisis in the Middle East and elsewhere around the world. Donations can be made via an SMS message sent to 1919 with the text “UNICEF10,” which will contribute 10 euros toward the cause. In a separate context, discussions about children’s future earning potential and job prospects suggest that specific knowledge or skills might lead to financial success. The article likely explores educational paths, career development, or economic factors influencing young people’s ability to secure stable jobs and achieve financial stability. Meanwhile, in the coastal town of Primorske, August brings an opportunity for children to explore the Archaeological Park Simonov Zaliv through four engaging workshops starting at 4 PM. Participation is free but requires prior registration due to limited spots. Activities include exploring Roman mosaics, creating their own mosaic pieces, examining Roman jewelry, crafting rings or pendants, learning about Roman cuisine, and even writing like the Romans using ancient tools. The park is open for free visits on weekdays and Saturdays from 5 PM to 8 PM. In Ukraine, the stories of children living through war are equally harrowing. Oleksandra Shehovcova, a 17-year-old from Lugansk, nearly breaks down recounting her life in her homeland amid the conflict. Her family has had to move multiple times within the country whenever conditions became too dangerous. The worst moment came when she learned of her father’s death in the war. “I often sing with my mother on the hallway and listen to rockets falling. Sometimes they land just 300 meters away from our house, shaking the entire house. We can’t go to school very often, we’re always in the basement. For all children who know what war is, it’s extremely hard,” she says. Oleksandra is part of a group of 50 Ukrainian children and teenagers who have spent the summer in Strunjan with the help of Slovenian charity and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “I haven’t seen the sea in more than five years, so these holidays mean a lot to me,” she adds. Yet, even in Slovenia, the war weighs heavily on her mind each day. Her classmate Sofia Sapoval shares similar feelings. When the war began, her parents loaded all four children into a car and fled without a clear destination. They managed to reach Germany but remained there for over two years as refugees. “We thought we would stay there for a week or two, but we ended up staying with my mom as refugees for two and a half years. Being a refugee in a foreign country is tough. Every morning I call my relatives in Ukraine to check if they're safe, and every day I listen to the news. In 2024, we returned to Ukraine, and my mom went to the army,” she explains. Only in the past two years has Sofia been able to attend school regularly online. “It’s hard not to lose hope and willpower. But I know education is important for my future, and I need to study, even if I didn’t sleep much because I had to hide in shelters. Here in Strunjan, at least we can sleep better and laugh a little. We still worry about our families, but we can talk about how we feel, support each other, and find comfort in one another,” she concludes. Since the beginning of the war in 2022, the temporary relocation of Ukrainian children and youth to Slovenia has become a regular occurrence. It involves children of soldiers from the front lines, many of whom have lost fathers or have missing ones. Slovenian charity has welcomed nine groups totaling more than 400 Ukrainian children over the years. These stays offer a brief respite from the sounds of sirens, bombings, and uncertainty brought by war, allowing children to simply be kids again. This presents a challenge for caregivers and educators, who strive to provide a sense of normalcy and safety. When the children arrived, organizers held orientation activities and suggested they choose pseudonyms, with many selecting names of their fathers or units where they served. This reflects the impact of war on children’s minds. Oleg Babenko, a member of the special operations unit of the Ukrainian National Guard accompanying the children, notes that most lessons are conducted remotely. Even in open schools, teachers must escort students to shelters upon alarms. In Ukraine, efforts are underway to build underground schools for greater safety. “Imagine how that looks, with artificial lighting and generators,” Babenko says. He emphasizes the normalization of war among children, who have learned to react appropriately based on SMS alerts. If a missile is incoming, they must seek shelter immediately; if a drone is detected, they have a few extra minutes. “No child should be exposed to such information,” he adds. He sees the value of these stays in shaping the next generation of Ukrainians.
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