The Diplomat
More than thirty Ukrainian children from the areas most affected by the war started on November 29 the second shift at the Gen.Ukrainian children’s rehabilitation camp, where they will receive psychological support from top-notch psychotherapists, pedagogues and doctors.
The main objective of the camp is “to provide psychological and school support to children who witnessed the war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine,” the Ukrainian Embassy said in a press release. The program foresees educational work with parents and guardians, because after passing the rehabilitation course the children should return to normal life.
At the moment, 31 children aged between 6 and 11 from various Ukrainian regions are undergoing rehabilitation. Among them, the note continues, “are 8-year-old Bogdan from Bakhmut, who saw the Russians kill his father and pregnant mother”; and 10-year-old Andriy from Chernigiv, about whom the Embassy adds that “his parents’ car was cruelly crushed by an armored vehicle of Russian troops”.
The project is sponsored by the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, who noted that “in the first round we got a unique experience, unexpected for educators and psychologists themselves. It turned out that child psychics can withstand the toughest trials, provided that adequate therapy and timely help are provided. I believe that together we can restore their sense of security and faith in the adult world.”
According to Gen.Ukrainian camp founder Oksana Lebedeva, the horrors experienced during the war leave a lifelong imprint. “Every day we witness horrible war crimes by the aggressor. In such circumstances the most vulnerable are children, for them this horrible experience can weigh on their whole life. Ninety-five percent of the camp participants are children who lost at least one parent, experienced tragic events and are marked by grief syndrome. The children who were injured during the evacuation and suffered from the missile attacks are also undergoing psychological rehabilitation.
