Hanover (dpa / lni) – The regional church in Hanover has called for more help for Ukrainian children who have fled to Lower Saxony. The short-term increase in group sizes in day-care centers is not enough, state bishop Ralf Meister said on Thursday to the red-black state government. Some mothers and children still find it difficult to accept places in day-care centers.

“A cautious and accompanied arrival is necessary in order to process what has been experienced and to communicate clearly with other families who have experienced similar things,” emphasized the foreman. The country should promote mother-child groups and similar offers. The same applies to accompanying measures such as trauma processing.

The nation’s largest evangelical state church will meet in Hanover until Saturday. For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the 26th national synod is meeting again in person.

In his report, Bishop Meister also referred to the tense situation in the schools – even before more than 11,000 Ukrainian students were admitted. There is a lack of school psychologists, social workers, specialist teachers for German as a second language and IT specialists. Attending a German school is important for the children from Ukraine to deal with the traumatic experiences of war and flight, among other things because of the contact to their peers and a regular daily routine.

Experience a great commitment of the parishes and church districts, stressed Meister. The regional church has provided 2.5 million euros to support this work in taking in and accompanying Ukrainian refugees.

Another focus of the church parliament conference is the church’s attitude towards sustainability and climate protection. In addition, a youth synod with under 27 year olds meets on Friday.

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