The “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” support groups were held in Sumt at two kindergartens #26 and #24. Unusually, these sessions were not held for children, but for women — mothers, caregivers, and educators.
Today, Sumy remains a hotspot on the map of Ukraine due to the lasting armed aggression of the russian federation, which makes the need for psychological support in the region especially acute. A total of 25 women participated in the therapy course openly engaging in the process of healing and support.
The groups were led by Olha Budianska and Halyna Halytska, both experienced certified trainers in this methodology.
For many it came as a surprise — “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” is a program designed for children, but it turned out that adults need it and benefit from it just as much. The participants did the exercises aimed at reducing anxiety, relieving stress, and coping with difficult memories — and they repeatedly returned to one simple yet powerful question: How can I provide support for my child if I don’t feel stable myself?
The sessions became a space for open conversation and genuine sincerity. One particularly emotional moment occurred when a participant, while working through memories, shared the pain of losing her husband — a loss she had struggled to accept for a long time. Experiencing this moment in a supportive circle gave her the strength to start speaking about the future again.
The second meeting ended on a warm and memorable note: the participants brought homemade treats — cakes, cookies, and jellies — which they enjoyed together during a cozy tea break. It was no longer just a group — it became a space of trust, where new strength for life was born.
Through such meetings, we learn not only how to support children — but also how to support ourselves, so we can truly be their anchor in a changing world.
These sessions were organized and held by “HOPE worldwide Ukraine” Charitable Foundation within the “Helping Hand for Ukraine” project, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and financial assistance from the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
