Art-therapy for children of Heroes

The project "Art therapy for children of heroes" is an initiative of the charity organization "Children of Heroes", which provides support to children who lost one or both parents due to the Russian war in Ukraine. Children who have survived the loss and are now in the conditions of war are in a particularly vulnerable state. They may experience emotional insecurity, anxiety and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Art therapy promotes self-expression and emotional expression. This process allows children to non-verbally express their feelings, experiences, and traumatic experiences, which may be difficult for children to put into words. Art therapy promotes the healing process, helps reduce anxiety, and supports children's social adaptation.

One lesson costs UAH 225, and the course for one child lasts 26 lessons (2 times a week). We aim to provide 1,000 online art therapy classes to the children under our care – that's a whole month of classes for 125 children.

Through art therapy, children will be able to meet peers who have also experienced similar traumatic losses and feel the solidarity and support of a common group. The project "Art therapy for children of Heroes" gives them the opportunity to express their feelings, find inner strength to overcome difficulties and embark on the path of healing and development.

We already have the experience of providing art therapy services to the wards of our foundation and therefore know that it is an effective tool for overcoming the consequences of loss. From the beginning of the full-scale war, Victoria and her mother and little sister Solomiya were under shelling in Chernihiv for three weeks. Due to the danger that threatened their lives, the family had to leave their home and move to their grandparents.

They had to live in the basement for some time, not going outside at all: it was especially dangerous and scary while the Russian troops remained in the city. It was in the basement that the youngest daughter learned to walk. Unfortunately, the family later received tragic news about the death of a loving father and husband who was a soldier and courageously defended our country from invaders. This terrible loss led to great despair and a strong longing for a dear person. However, thanks to the people supporting the fund, Victoria had the opportunity to join art therapy classes. The little girl fully participates in these creative activities: such activities helped her distract herself from bad thoughts, balance her emotional and volitional sphere, reveal herself as a creative person, and improve her creative skills. Victoria herself is simply delighted with her classes and maintains a positive dynamic in her personal development.

We cannot give children their parents back. But we can give them a chance for a brighter future.