Fostering hope, learning and healing for children displaced and suffering from loss amid the war in Ukraine
Dnipro, Ukraine – Around a hundred children aged six to 16 years old attended a day camp coming from displaced families and those who lost their loved ones to the war in Ukraine last June 2024. This year’s theme was “E-Life” which also means “There is life”.
The children's day camp is part of the project being implemented by World Vision’s partner Arms of Mercy (AoM) with funding from Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH) to help children recover from depression and mental issues as a result of losing their loved ones, properties and leaving their homes.
It is also aimed to encourage them to build social connections, inspire them to learn, develop, take responsibility, and dream for a better future.
An estimated 75 percent of Ukrainian children had been found having symptoms of trauma based on the recent study Changes in Children’s Lives during the conducted by Gradus Research. World Vision’s response has reached out to over 500,000 children in the country.
According to Oleksandr Taraba, AoM Coordinator in Dnipro, “Time is the most valuable human resource, especially in childhood and adolescence when children experience rapid growth in a short period of 1-2 years, grow up as adults, acquire basic life skills and learn values as basis of their lives in the future.”
“Many parents in Ukraine are busy solving urgent needs such as work, security, and the challenges brought by the war. They do not have enough time and resources to support their children’s development, socialization and emotional support”, Taraba adds.
The camp program is organized so that every child and teenager can immerse themselves in an atmosphere of love and acceptance and find an activity that can reveal their strengths and talents.
“I remember our conversation when we dreamed about our future and wrote it down on a piece of paper. We have a very cool team and leader. The theme “There is life” is inspiring”, says camp participant Ivanna, 12 years old.
"I like everything about the camp: trampolines, lunch, workshops, but most of all I have made new friends."
Center administrator Anastasia says, “It's good we can work for free. Parents cannot afford to pay for private camps. The children come on the first day stiff, but by the evening they open up, and become more relaxed.”
She further shares, “The difference between what they come to and what they become is visible even on the first day. The centre has all the resources and facilitators to organize such events. Parents are aware of everything that happens.”
Separate closed chats are created for parents to post photos and posts about the activities in which their children participate. “I like everything about the camp: trampolines, lunch, workshops, but most of all I have made new friends,” says Milana, 8 years old.
This nurturing environment plays a key role in shaping young Ukrainian minds and contribute to their overall well-being. The master classes this year include cap painting, culinary arts, where children made sweet treats, theatre where each child could hone their acting skills, modelling from polymer clay and sports.
On one of the days, they go for an excursion to the planetarium where the children could get acquainted with the boundless space of the galaxy, see models of planets, and astronauts' suits, ask all the questions they were interested in, and learn something new.
Hot lunches were provided to the children, time to play games, enjoy an ice cream and each received a small surprise gift. The camps introduce children to the world of knowledge and skills, fostering a love of learning vital to lay the foundation for success in later life.
An important part of the program is engagement in small groups where children can express their thoughts and reflect on important things as group facilitator supports as they talk about important values based on mutual respect, love and kindness.
Story by Advocacy Advisor Vira Sholinian I Photos by Arms of Mercy staff