My Hero is You: Supporting each other when wars come (field-test version)

The making of “My Hero is You: Supporting each other when wars come (field-test version)”

This storybook is an adaptation of the IASC My Hero is You series. 

UNICEF and WHO joined forces to develop this book to support the mental health and well-being of children who are affected by armed conflict, as well as their parents and caregivers. 

Living in an unsafe area or setting that is affected by armed conflict may cause feelings such as fear, sadness, anger, and hopelessness. We asked children and their caregivers how they try to manage these feelings and support their well-being during times of war. We also asked them to share their hopes and dreams for the future. 

Surveys in different languages were distributed around the world. A framework of topics to be addressed through the story was developed using the survey results. We then shared an early version of the story with children in several countries. They told us what they liked, what they did not like and then how to make the story better. 

Nearly 1500 children, parents, and caregivers shared their ideas and offered us feedback on the story. We listened to their feedback and wove their voices and ideas into the book, enriching the text and the illustrations. Our warmest gratitude to these children and their parents and caregivers for generously sharing their thoughts and being part of this story. Ario, Ario’s friends and our global team are grateful. 

We thank the IASC MHPSS RG Child and Family Group for providing valuable feedback to the draft version in addition to parents, caregivers, and children from all over the world. 

This adaptation was not created by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC). The IASC is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this translation. The original English edition, Inter-Agency Standing Committee, ‘My Hero is You: How kids can fight COVID-19!’ Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO, shall be the binding and authentic edition.