Author:
Mariia Kucova
Psychologists from “Voices of Children” participated in an international conference in Prague, where they shared their experience with colleagues from Poland and the Czech Republic, focusing on how they help children overcome the challenges of war.
Maryna Chaban presented the work of the Chernihiv Center team operating in de-occupied areas and territories affected by shelling.
Iryna Levkovych highlighted the activities of the Truskavets Center, which supports internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Ukraine and runs the Camp+ program.
Our psychologists described the specific challenges Ukrainian children face as a result of the war, such as:
- Fear of losing their homes and familiar social connections due to forced displacement.
- Anxiety from loud noises caused by missile attacks.
- Disrupted access to education and extracurricular activities.
- Prolonged separation from family and friends.
- Children witnessing war crimes.
- The threat of being forcibly deported to Russia from the temporarily occupied territories.
The professionals also outlined the psychological consequences of war for children:
- Loss of a basic sense of security, heightened anxiety, and panic attacks.
- Loneliness, difficulty adapting, depressive states, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Grief from loss and trauma caused by prolonged or overwhelming mourning.
- Sleep disturbances, eating disorders, and other psychosomatic symptoms.
- The loss of their national identity—children forcibly taken to Russia often feel disoriented and struggle to trust others.
To illustrate, the psychologists shared the story of 6-year-old Taras, who lived through combat actions in Chernihiv and the nearby village, occupied by Russian forces.
The little boy was so afraid that Russian soldiers would enter his home that he could only fall asleep with a knife under his pillow.
Thanks to the psychological support provided by the “Voices of Children”, Taras gradually overcame his fear and now sleeps without the knife. Moreover, the child's communication with his military mother and peers has improved.
Polish colleagues approached us, expressing their admiration for our work. They were impressed,
shared Iryna Levkovych.
shared Iryna Levkovych.
At the conference, our team demonstrated a neuro-gymnastics exercise using small balls, which they use to help children process trauma and decrease stress.
Participants stand in a circle and count to 1–2, simultaneously passing the balls to one another. The goal is to move like one organism, gradually increasing speed and complexity by exchanging balls in a cross pattern.
This activity stimulates both sides of the brain and sparks feelings of joy. It helps children decrease stress, learn to concentrate, and become joyful,
explained Iryna Levkovych.
explained Iryna Levkovych.
The ball exercise works well not only with children but also with adults.
The “Voices of Children” psychologists, in turn, took the opportunity to learn from their foreign colleagues, especially about providing online crisis support.
In addition to “Voices of Children” Charitable Foundation (CF), Ukraine was represented by the Charitable Organisation CF “Peaceful heaven of Kharkiv”.
The conference was organized by the non-profit organisation based in the Czech Republic, Diaconie.
Share: