As part of the “Helping Hand for Ukraine” project, our team continues to deliver psychological support sessions for children under the program “Children and War: Teaching Recovery Techniques.”
From December 2025 to March 2026, a series of group sessions was held at School #159 in Kyiv for children who have experienced war-related trauma.
The sessions were led by trained facilitators Olena and Volodymyr Loboda. Each group attended seven meetings, during which children learned to understand their emotions, cope with fear and anxiety, and gradually restore a sense of safety.
The participants were children aged 10–12. Most had witnessed war-related events, and some were internally displaced.
Based on pre- and post-program assessments, most children showed a positive dynamic in their emotional well-being. In particular:
- a decrease in intrusive memories;
- reduced avoidance of traumatic topics;
- increased emotional openness and awareness of their own feelings.
The most powerful outcomes are reflected in the children’s personal stories.
One participant, who had witnessed shelling, had long hidden his emotions behind humor. With the support of the group, he was able to openly speak about his fear for the first time. After that, he became calmer, more attentive, and more engaged in the sessions.
According to the facilitators, many children were cautious or even reluctant to participate at first. However, over time, the group became a safe space where they could be themselves.
Children began to look forward to the sessions, stayed afterward to spend more time together, and supported one another. After the program ended, many asked when the next meetings would take place.
This experience once again confirms that group-based psychological support for children affected by war is highly effective. It not only helps reduce anxiety but also builds trust, support, and inner resources for future life.
We continue this work to ensure that as many children in Ukraine as possible receive the psychological support they need.
