Author:
Mariia Kucova
The Truskavets-Skhidnytsia branch of the "Voices of Children" Foundation has been operating since the first day of the large-scale invasion, 24th February, 2022. On the second anniversary of the branch establishment, let us recall how it all began.
The beginning of the branch, I believe, was on 23th February. Olena Rozvadovska and I were sitting in a café in Truskavets,
says psychologist Antonina Sorochynska.
says psychologist Antonina Sorochynska.
She is one of those who helped to create the Truskavets-Skhidnytsia branch.
From a conversation in a café to helping the first Internally Displaced People (IDPs)
Antonina and Olena were discussing further work to provide crisis assistance to people arriving in temporary accommodations from the east of Ukraine. At the time, there seemed to be plenty of time for planning, but the next day, a large-scale war broke out, and they had to spring into action.
People from all over Ukraine were coming to the Lviv region. Most of them were from Irpin and Bucha in the Kyiv oblast (region), as well as Chernihiv, and Kharkiv regions. In the first few weeks, people were looking for temporary shelter before travelling abroad.
They managed to set up the team in the first two weeks, having two psychologists and five volunteers. While in Skhidnytsia, the Mavka Lisova Family Leisure Centre commenced operations from the first day of the large-scale war. In contrast, the Oranta Hotel in Truskavets began operating in June 2022.
Primarily, they provided individual assistance to people and also worked in schools.
Two years of branch operations: Achievements and Outcomes
Since its inception, the Truskavets-Skhidnytsia branch of the "Voices of Children" Foundation has helped more than 1400 children and 450 adults.
They have received:
- 1300+ individual psychological consultations;
- 450+ group psychological sessions;
- 900+ psychosocial support sessions.
Among the first clients were two boys from Dnipro. Together with their father, they moved to Truskavets, where they started attending the "Voices of Children" Foundation branch.
It is calm here, and there are many opportunities for children’s development. That’s why we are staying here for now, but it is our homeland there, and we will return there someday,
said Roman, the boys' father.
said Roman, the boys' father.
Among those who received help were grandmother Tetiana (name changed — ed.) and her two grandchildren from Kramatorsk. The boy and girl's mother had abandoned them, and their father had gone to the front.
After three months, the grandmother eventually returned to Kramatorsk with her children. However, she continues to express her gratitude to the Foundation for the initial psychological support through her letters.
The Truskavets-Skhidnytsia branch team continues its work to help children, and their parents overcome the consequences of the war. To follow its activities, subscribe to the Telegram channel.
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