A summer camp in western Ukraine provides a therapeutic space for children whose parents are missing due to the ongoing conflict, allowing them to share their stories, bond with peers, and engage in healing activities, as they navigate the emotional turmoil of uncertainty and loss.
Healing Through Connection: Ukrainian Children Unite in Summer Camp Amid War
Healing Through Connection: Ukrainian Children Unite in Summer Camp Amid War
In the Carpathian mountains, Ukrainian children with missing loved ones find solace and support at a summer camp dedicated to their shared experiences of loss and trauma.
In the serene environment of Ukraine's Carpathian mountains, a transformative initiative is bringing hope and comfort to a group of Ukrainian children grappling with the absence of their loved ones. With more than 70,000 people reported missing due to the ongoing war, this camp serves as a crucial support system for those who have a parent missing in action.
Fifteen-year-old Dima recalls the last moments spent with his father, who had to leave for the military shortly after Russia's invasion. "I started calling his mobile... Dad didn't answer. That was it," he shares, reflecting on the day that changed his life forever. Along with 49 other children, Dima participates in group therapy sessions held around a campfire, commemorating their missing loved ones while finding solace in shared experiences.
Gen.Ukrainian, the charity behind the camp, aims to address the unique emotional needs of these children. Lead psychologist Vanui Martirosyan explains, "They feel fear of crying, they think that if they start crying it will continue forever." The camp provides a safe space for children to express their emotions, engage in art therapy, and bond through physical activities like hiking, which help alleviate stress and trauma.
The stories shared highlight a deep sense of loss and longing. Sixteen-year-old Nastia reminisces about her father, expressing hope for future memories despite his absence. "I love him very much and I know he loves me too," she states, wishing for the day they can create new memories together again.
This camp not only allows the children to connect with others who share their pain but also provides reprieve from the continuous threat of air raids. The friendly environment facilitates laughter, play, and moments of joy, mixed with opportunities for growth and healing.
As the camp comes to a close, emotional goodbyes fill the air. Oksana Lebedieva, founder of Gen.Ukrainian, reflects on the significance of community in their healing process, emphasizing that understanding they are not alone in their grief is pivotal for their recovery.
This grassroots effort in western Ukraine highlights the pressing needs faced by countless children whose lives have been irrevocably altered by war, turning trauma into moments of hope and connection in the midst of adversity.
