The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Beneficiaries of the Children of Heroes CF participated in a charity theatrical performance

On April 5th, a charity premiere of the play “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” occurred in Poltava. This project is part of the “Theater of Victory” initiative, implemented by the youth organization “Rotaract Club Kharkiv Mriya” in partnership with the “Children of Heroes” Charity Fund. Among the participants were children whose childhoods have been shattered by the war: internally displaced children and children of fallen heroes, including six beneficiaries of our Fund.

The event’s main goal was to help children cope with difficult emotions through art, find inspiration, and believe in their abilities. Kateryna Hutsal, a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and member of the “Rotaract Club Kharkiv Mriya,” worked with the children. Her unique approach, combining psychotherapy and theatrical art, created a safe space where children could openly express their emotions.

Tetiana Novytska, CEO of the “Children of Heroes” Charity Fund, attended the charity premiere. In her welcoming speech, she emphasized: “May this performance serve as a reminder to each of us that even in the deepest darkness, there is always room for light. And in our world, that light is children. A light that not only deserves protection but needs to be nurtured with tenderness, warmed with love, and supported with faith – in every step, in every dream, in every ‘I can.’ After all, it is from them that our future grows – stronger, more humane, brighter. And our task is to help this light not fade away but to burn even brighter.”

Over 160 spectators gathered in the hall to support the young actors. The atmosphere of sincerity, goodwill, and warmth created by the audience became a valid reward for the children’s courage and hard work. All funds raised during the performance would be directed towards continuing theatrical therapy for vulnerable populations – orphans, children of fallen heroes, and military personnel.

For many participants, this performance was not just a debut on stage. Here, they felt that their voice mattered, that there were people nearby who would support them. In the spotlight, amidst rehearsals and laughter, the children not only played their roles – they found support, friendship, and hope.