Recovering joyful childhood experiences for Ukraine's children in Moldova through art therapy

Anna crossed the border to Moldova for the first time with her mother and her children in March 2022, a couple of days after the war started. Two weeks later, they came back to Ukraine thinking that the conflict would be over soon.

“After two weeks, we decided to return to Odesa, but then the bombing started again,” shares Anna.

She crossed the border for the second time, with her parents, husband, and four children. She was already pregnant, and little Diana was born in the neighboring country. 

"My children were traumatized, and it took more than a year to recover and make them feel safe again," explains Anna.

She adds, “The first day we arrived in Moldova they were visibly distressed. My second child, Sonia, for example, would always draw spiders that murder people. She claimed that she was scared of spiders.”

Anna and her children take part in psychological support sessions designed for both adults and their children. They come on a weekly basis to the center run by Communitas, World Vision's local partner, where they benefit from art therapy, non-formal education, individual and group counselling. The facility is located in Chisinau, Moldova and is currently funded by the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC).

“The DEC-funded project offers group and individual psychosocial support sessions for both adults and children, helping them deal with the trauma of war and displacement. Sharing their burdens with fellow refugees and dedicated volunteers provides a sense of community and understanding” explains Lilia Damaschin, World Vision's Mental Health and Psychosocial (MHPSS) Adviser.

It’s been half a year since they didn't show signs of acute distress, and I feel relieved knowing that my children are feeling better now.

“Adults found solace in the program, which not only helped refugees cope with the past but also fostered hope for the future. This newfound sense of purpose and optimism is a testament to the program's success. Tears flowed freely, prayers were shared, and laughter gradually returned,” shared Damaschin.

Nadejda Zastavnetchi, a volunteer who is part of World Vision's cash for work program funded by DEC, and who has worked at the center from the beginning, has witnessed improvements from both parents and children.

"We saw a revolutionary shift in both children's and parents' behavior after participating in art therapy and counselling sessions," said Zastavnetchi.

"They regained hope, became more open to sharing, and wanted to rebuild their lives," she added.

“They love being here and are close to us. These individuals are opening up, and sometimes even crying. We sometimes pray together. Every session ends with a smile and a thank you. They're simply happy here,” concluded Nadejda.

Anna can attest to these improvements for herself and her children.

“Now Sonia doesn't draw spiders anymore. My children somehow accepted the situation and felt at home once," said Anna.

"It’s been half a year since they didn't show signs of acute distress, and I feel relieved knowing that my children are feeling better now," she added.

Ukrainian children like Sonia use safe spaces to express their emotions, not just through daily interactions with other children, but also through art therapy, games, and discussions.

“During my time spent in the center, I realized that I would like to be a doctor in the future, maybe a veterinarian. That way, I will no longer be afraid of spiders,” shared Sonia.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, more than 117,000 people, including refugees, internally displaced and host communities, have benefited from mental health and psychosocial support services in Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Georgia.

Cover: One-year-old Diana from Odesa, Ukraine, attends the psychosocial support activities held in Chisinau, Moldova, by Communitas, World Vision's local partner. 

Story and photos by Dan Munteanu, (Former) Communications Officer