Social project “Brave”: helping children affected by war
Art therapy project “Brave”: “We fight for every child so that there is no lost generation in Ukraine”
The last 12 months have changed the lives of every Ukrainian, as the war has left its mark: some people have a bigger one, some have a smaller one. Unfortunately, children were the most vulnerable group. Forced displacement, loss of home, often even separation from parents – all this jeopardizes their future and has a devastating impact not only on their development, but also unfortunately has negative psychological consequences in adulthood.
Social art therapy project
In October 2022, the socially important project “Brave” was launched, a continuation of the international flash mob “DREAMS THROUGH RUIN” – an interactive art therapy to restore the mental health of children affected by the war in Ukraine. The project was initiated by Global Wellness Day Ambassador in Ukraine and wellness coach Iryna Hryban. A practical psychologist with 25 years of experience working with children, an expert in child psychology in the field of “creativity therapy” Victoria Nazarevych was involved in the creation of the methodology.
For three months, a group of practicing psychologists conducted classes at the country’s largest children’s hospital. Through fairy tale therapy, therapeutic drawing, and the creation of symbols and images such as “brave” and “strong”, children unlocked their inner potential. Specially designed complex exercises focused on the realization of emotional experiences, emotional states, and strengthening through a system of resources, work with constructive and general personal images.
Social art therapy project
Social art therapy project
“Children are the least protected segment of the population. They take absolutely everything to heart, and they often do not want to or cannot talk about their fears with their parents or teachers. Even psychologists do not always manage to talk to them. Art therapy gives children the opportunity to express their emotions through art. After the outbreak of a full-scale war, almost every Ukrainian child needs to find internal and external supports, resources that are necessary to restore balance, calmness and strength to go on with their lives. Together with a team of psychologists and art therapists, we are fighting for every child so that there is no lost generation in Ukraine. The “Brave” project is not temporary. Moreover, it is an important step for the education of our country as a whole, which is what all our efforts are now focused on,” he said. comments Iryna Hryban, the project’s initiator.
As a result of fruitful work on the Brave project, the Ministry of Education and Science approved the program “Psychological Support for Somatically Weakened Children Using Art Therapy” and the Academic Council of the Institute for Modernization of Education approved a refresher course for practicing psychologists.
In turn, the project found support on social media and among such stars as Svitlana Tarabarova, ALYOSHA, and Inna Miroshnichenko. Follow the project’s updates, as it offers parents absolutely free and safe techniques to do with their child at home on its social media!
Photo: press service
