Social rehabilitation activities for children from the frontline zone

Children living in areas close to the line of demarcation in eastern Ukraine are under constant internal stress and are at risk of becoming witnesses or victims of violence. Numerous studies confirm that psychological trauma in children of any age has deeper causes and more severe consequences than in adults. Children have not yet developed the mechanisms to cope with stressful situations. If a child has left the conflict area with family, they may also have experienced stress. Memories of shelling, separation from friends and familiar surroundings, the search for new acquaintances, and diminished parental attention are just a few factors that can affect a child’s well-being.

“Responsible Citizens,” in partnership with the international organization Mercy Corps, is implementing a child protection program. Social rehabilitation activities take place in settlements located in combat zones, as well as in areas with a large number of displaced persons.

Activities in the form of entertainment fairs, film therapy, game evenings, and creative nights provide children with an opportunity to distract themselves from distressing external factors. The activities during these events allow each participant to express their creative abilities and gain positive emotions from both the process and the results of their work, helping children socially adapt and build confidence in their abilities. The desire for creative self-expression can inspire a positive attitude toward the world. Various tasks and exercises help children relieve emotional tension and temporarily escape the psychological stress caused by negative events in the east.

These events provide children a chance to return from a world of adults, where they have to witness and hear explosions daily, to a world of immediacy and joy. A carefree state is a normal behavior for a child; they should not be preoccupied with questions of war.

During the activities, participants demonstrate their best qualities, learn to overcome difficult situations, and support those around them. Children find ways to hear and understand each other, reach agreements, work in teams, and express their viewpoints in a non-conflict manner.

Participants experience a multitude of positive emotions and a good mood, providing them with a chance to escape the fear of the present time, and most importantly, they gain experience in navigating stressful situations and collaboratively solving problems.