The “Children of Heroes” CF has launched a pilot psychological support and recovery project called “The Power Within You”

In the second half of July, the “Children of Heroes” CF concluded its pilot psychological support and recovery project, “The Power Within You,” in Kamianets-Podilskyi. The project’s goal was to help children who have lost one or both parents due to the war overcome the trauma they’ve experienced and find their footing again.

The “Power Within You” project is a natural extension of the Fund’s three years of work, during which it has gained unique experience in providing systemic psychological support to children who have lost loved ones. Daily work with childhood trauma has shown that to help a child recover, it’s necessary to create a special environment — a space where they can rediscover themselves. Drawing on this expertise, the Fund’s team of qualified specialists developed the project with the following goals:

• Safely processing difficult emotions.
• Transforming the experience of loss into an experience of strength.
• Developing self-regulation skills
• Improving communication.
• Regaining a sense of control over one’s life.

To begin the project, the team chose the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, as it serves as a powerful metaphor for resilience. The therapeutic process included walks through old streets, excursions to the fortress, and participation in educational quests and games.

Sixty children, aged 8 to 15, were selected for the inaugural session. Before the trip, each child underwent a special psychological screening. There was also a preliminary meeting between the children, their parents, and the team of counselors. This ensured that upon arrival, the children would recognize at least one familiar adult, which helped them feel safe and secure. The participants were divided into small, age-based groups, each with a dedicated counselor to provide individual attention to every child.

One parent shared, “Thank you for a wonderful time. Hnat said this was the coolest camp he’s ever been to. He’s tired but absolutely happy with the time he spent with you.”

Another mother said, “I also want to thank everyone for your work. Margarita didn’t even ask to go home, and this was her first camp. She said it was a 10 out of 10.”

The program included daily group psychological support sessions, individual consultations with a psychologist, art therapy, body-based practices, and exercises to develop self-regulation. The main focus was on helping children feel empowered, teaching them to recognize and express their emotions, and discovering their strengths. After the project concluded, families who wanted them received recommendations from a psychologist for continued support.

The children returned home with a new sense of being heard, understood, and supported. The warm words from parents were a powerful testament to the team that they were on the right track.

This first session of “The Power Within You” project is just the beginning. The Fund’s plans to scale up the project, making it a regular and accessible resource for more children. The psychological recovery of children who have lost loved ones is a crucial investment not only in their future but in the country’s as a whole.

Please join us in supporting this project and other Fund’s initiatives. Together, we can help children find the power within themselves.