In February–March 2026, a series of group sessions for children took place in Poltava as part of the “Helping Hand for Ukraine” project. The program “Children and War: Teaching Recovery Techniques” was delivered by facilitators Liubov But and Alina Zenchenko at Primary School #41.
A total of 26 children aged 8–9 participated in the program. They worked in two groups, gradually getting to know each other and becoming familiar with the format of the sessions.
The meetings were designed to help children not only talk, but also better understand their own emotional state and learn how to support themselves. Through simple exercises — breathing, body-based practices, and imagination — they developed skills for calming themselves and reducing tension. Special attention was given to working with fears, including techniques such as the “safe place” and the “fear ladder,” which help children gradually process difficult experiences.
Not all children engaged at the same pace: some needed more time to adjust and feel safe. However, over time, the groups began to change — with more trust, openness, and active participation emerging.
By the end of the program, positive changes were noticeable in most children: they found it easier to cope with anxiety, showed fewer signs of fear, and became more willing to talk about their experiences. Some participants also began using the learned techniques in their daily lives, both at school and at home.
This experience once again highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for children and providing them with simple, practical tools to cope with anxiety and emotional distress in everyday life.
