Over 10 Years of Support: Why the “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” Program Matters

For more than ten years, the trainers of our project have been working with children in various cities across Ukraine. During this time, thousands of boys and girls have received support that helped them overcome difficult experiences and preserve their inner resilience.

Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the need for such support has only increased. Our groups have been organized not only in Ukraine, but also abroad — for children whose families were forced to flee because of the war. Regardless of the country they are in, Ukrainian children need a space where they are heard and understood.

The groups under the program “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” are more than just sessions.
They provide:

  • a safe space where children can talk about what hurts;

  • exercises that help reduce anxiety and fear;

  • an opportunity to process difficult experiences through play;

  • new friendships and peer support;

  • the care and attention of adults who understand how to work with childhood trauma.

Children themselves say that after the sessions, they feel better. They learn to recognize their emotions, calm themselves, and support one another. These are self-help skills that stay with them for life.

Our charitable foundation focuses specifically on this kind of psychological support. We:

  • train new facilitators to work within the “Children and War. TRT” program;

  • organize therapy groups for children in different regions of Ukraine and abroad;

  • teach children self-help techniques, emotional regulation, and ways to restore their inner resources;

  • help children safely process traumatic experiences;

  • work with adults — parents, caregivers, and professionals — supporting them in coping with loss and stress;

  • help adults process traumatic experiences and strengthen psychological resilience;

  • provide symbolic gifts and create an atmosphere of care, safety, and acceptance.

We will continue this work. In a country where war continues, children are among the most vulnerable. They cannot protect themselves from psychological trauma on their own — they need support, care, and professional help.

Each group is a step toward healing.
Each child who feels supported is a step toward a stronger future for Ukraine.

Christmas Gifts That Warm the Heart

Even as time passes, it is important to speak about good deeds.

At the end of December 2025, children from the Donetsk region who participated in our groups under the program “Children and War. Teaching Healing Techniques” received Christmas gifts from friends and partners in Germany.

Each package was prepared with care for every child individually. Inside were items the children had been dreaming about, warm and practical clothing, and of course sweets — because it is hard to imagine winter holidays without them. Yet the greatest value of these gifts lies in the feeling of attention and support.

For children growing up in the realities of war, such gestures carry special meaning. They remind them that the world is wider than their daily challenges, and that there are people who sincerely want to bring joy and a little carefree happiness into their lives.

We are deeply grateful to our international friends for their compassion and openness to cooperation. Thanks to you, the holiday season became warmer, and children’s smiles more genuine.

Support matters. And it is felt.

View the album on Facebook