"Voices of Children" at the "Little Town of Dreams": How the Foundation Organizes Activities for Internally Displaced Children

Author:

Mariia Kucova

Since early May, the team from the Kyiv Center of "Voices of Children" has been visiting a modular settlement for internally displaced persons (IDPs) near Liubymivka [Kyiv region]. The Foundation's professionals organize creative activities and board games for children, conduct psychological consultations, and provide individual assistance through case management tailored to each family's needs.

The "Little Town of Dreams" settlement has become a shelter for 150 people from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. The houses are cozy and the landscapes are picturesque. However, the settlement lacks infrastructure, especially recreational facilities for its 50 children.

I started looking for organizations to support us and found the 'Voices of Children' Foundation. Now, our children have the joy of attending creative sessions every Wednesday,

says Inna Kryvorotova, a local activist.

Cats and chats: Insights from the children's art session

First, you need to draw a large circle. If anyone needs help, I'll come over,

says Ryta Selehei, a recreational therapist from "Voices of Children".

During the creative session, the younger children draw a cat eagerly eyeing a fish in an aquarium. The room is filled with a gentle hum as the children share their latest news while they work.

My friend, whom I haven't seen in a long time, is coming to visit me,

shares Mariika.

The recreation specialist takes turns leaning over the children's emerging drawings and helps them make the first strokes. In addition, she answers their questions, not leaving any unattended.

— Where's Oksana?

— Unfortunately, she won't be here today; she's involved in other activities.

This refers to another recreation specialist, Oksana Bohutska, whose specialties include trauma-informed pedagogy. Her work directly influences children's well-being.

While the children are drawing cats from the same example, each one turns out differently. Mariika's cat, for instance, wears a crown.

When you finish your drawings, help yourselves to the candies,

says Inna, placing a plate of sweets on the table.

Board games for teenagers

After the younger children leave, teenagers arrive to play board games. The older girls and boys quickly organize themselves without needing guidance: one group plays Veto at one table, while another plays Dixit at another.

They can't afford to buy board games for themselves, so we provide them,

Ryta explains.

The teenagers socialize lively with each other, often bursting into laughter.

— It's like a traditional Ukrainian vase.

— A clay pot?

— Nah, think again.

— A jug!

— You got it!

After a while, the teenagers gather around one table to play "Memology" (a game about internet memes). Now the laughter grows even louder and soon no one can help but laugh along.

Childhood must go on, no matter what

Children who have lost their homes and familiar social groups urgently need quality leisure activities to help them adapt and make new friends. Such creative sessions and board game gatherings can have a positive impact on these children's psychological and emotional well-being.

Creative activities and board games help children move away from negative thoughts and experiences, reducing overall anxiety levels. Group activities also help improve communication skills,

explains psychologist Serhii Mykhailyk.

In addition, the Foundation's activities can serve as a starting point for further work with psychologists, as these leisure events create a safe and trusting environment. And vice versa, psychologists often recommend children to participate in the Foundation's activities. For example, Serhii notes that after group sessions, about 20–30% of children or their parents seek psychological help, and a similar percentage end up participating in Foundation activities after individual sessions with him.

I join in expressing gratitude to the experts from the "Voices of Children" Charitable Foundation, your work is crucial for helping children affected by war to recover. Your sessions and individual attention inspire children to move forward, explore new games, and spend time meaningfully with their peers,

parents' feedback on the Foundation's work.

"Voices of Children" plans to purchase a volleyball net, basketball hoop, sports equipment, board games, and books for the settlement. Local children will have even more leisure opportunities because childhood must continue, no matter what.