Geneva  - The United Nations presented Wednesday its latest education kit to help young children affected by wars and natural disasters, saying it would develop their mental capacities and reduce stress and trauma.

Ann Veneman, executive director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), said that quickly getting youngsters in such situations into a learning environment was important.

"I have seen first hand the trauma children endure during disaster and conflict," Veneman said, seated next to the large kit with colourful stuffed animals, colouring pads, games and puzzles, intended for children up to six years of age.

She had recently visited places like Darfur, the troubled region in western Sudan, and the Gaza Strip.

"Early childhood is the most important period for developing," Veneman told reporters. "A disruption in development, like a serious trauma, can result in lifelong development problems."

The kit is meant to complement an already used School-in-a-Box created in the 1990s with the UN's science and education wing (UNESCO).

The early childhood development kit, costing about 230 dollars, is stuffed with 37 items that can be adapted for different cultures, the developers said. (dpa)