Amidst the backdrop of Ukraine's war, a summer camp provides a safe haven for children whose parents are missing. Through shared activities, group therapy, and the comfort of community, these young individuals begin to navigate their trauma and foster hope for the future.
Healing Through Connection: Ukrainian Children Find Hope at Summer Camp
Healing Through Connection: Ukrainian Children Find Hope at Summer Camp
A unique summer camp in Ukraine offers solace and support for children grappling with the absence of their loved ones due to ongoing conflict, fostering a community of shared experiences and healing.
In a bid to heal and support the psychological well-being of Ukrainian children affected by the war, a summer camp has been established in the serene Carpathian mountains. Here, children gather to share memories and comfort one another in a communal effort to cope with the loss of parents who have gone missing as a result of the conflict.
One such child, 15-year-old Dima, recounts the last moments he shared with his father before he vanished after joining the military. Surrounded by others who share similarly tragic stories, the campers engage in activities that intertwine fun and therapeutic support. Candles lit around a campfire honor their missing loved ones, transforming painful memories into a testament of resilience.
The program, organized by the charity Gen.Ukrainian, aims to address the emotional turmoil faced by children whose parents have either gone missing, been captured, or perished in battle. "Many of these children have multiple traumas and often find it hard to visualize a future," says Vanui Martirosyan, the lead psychologist at the camp. Activities blend therapeutic practices with play, allowing children to express themselves through art and physical exercise, essential for healing.
In group therapy sessions, children use color charts to articulate their feelings on topics such as sadness and loss, creating a space for shared understanding. One little girl recalls her trauma during an airstrike while another, Zahar, uses art to express his longing for his father, portraying a hopeful return home.
As the camp progresses, the children experience moments of joy and camaraderie, unperturbed by the threat of air raids, thus allowing them to reclaim a sense of normalcy.
"They've found people who went through the same experiences, and finding community is vital for healing," explains Oksana Lebedieva, founder of Gen.Ukrainian.
As the program concludes, many children express a desire to remain connected, highlighting the profound bond formed during their time together. The initiative, while unique, is but a glimpse into the broader crisis faced by millions of children across Ukraine, each carrying the burden of war's impact on their young lives.
