Healing Hearts Amidst the Storm: Supporting Ukrainian Children Through War.
For the past three years, Ukraine has endured the painful reality of war, and its children have borne the brunt of this anguish. Every day, Ukrainians wake with the hope that tomorrow will bring peace—that they will once again be able to look up at the sky and find tranquility. But as the conflict stretches on, the scars left by violence continue to deepen, especially for the youngest generation. They grow up faster than their years suggest, forced to grapple with loss, danger, and aggression before fully understanding what it means to be a child.
In the midst of this crisis, humanitarian organizations have risen to the challenge of providing support. For three years, our organization has worked tirelessly to address the psychological trauma caused by the war. We have strived to bring light to children whose hearts are filled with darkness. Our mission is clear: to make their lives less painful, even if just a little bit. Every effort we make is a step toward easing their suffering, a small but significant part of the road to healing.
Our team of psychologists has worked diligently, dedicating countless hours each week to individual therapy sessions. In just one year alone, we provided 1,374 hours of therapeutic support to children, helping over 60 young people access therapy ranging from three to six months. Some children have even undergone therapy for an entire year, as the road to recovery is not linear—it requires time, patience, and, most importantly, compassion.
The approach to working with children in distress must be gentle and gradual.
Trauma caused by war is profound, and its effects can be long-lasting. Every day, the conflict brings new challenges for these children, further shaping their worldview and their understanding of who they are. War is a daily storm, one that colors their perceptions of safety, love, and security. And as the years drag on, these children face a harsh truth: the world around them is not as they imagined it to be. Despite these challenges, we firmly believe that long-term therapy is the key to lasting change.
It is only through sustained, thoughtful support that we can hope to achieve positive, long-term results. While humanitarian aid and other forms of assistance are vital, our focus is on improving the lives of these children during this incredibly difficult time, with the aim of giving them hope for a brighter future.
The statistics are staggering. According to new research from the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) and Save the Children, more than one in six children worldwide now live in areas affected by conflict. This marks the highest number of global conflicts since World War II. Rob Williams, CEO of War Child, emphasizes the severity of the situation: "This isn’t just a bad time to be a child, this is one of the most dangerous times to be a child in recent history." The numbers are a wake-up call—no NGO can afford to rest on its laurels. To truly change the fate of a generation, we must think creatively, step up, and push beyond conventional boundaries.
Understanding the full impact of war on a child's development requires a socio-ecological perspective. Children are particularly vulnerable to the stressors of war. The research shows a clear dose-response relationship between the number of stressors experienced and the negative effects on mental and physical health, academic success, and social relationships. The longer children are exposed to these stressors, the greater the likelihood of long-term challenges that will affect their development.
The crisis in Ukraine is a reminder that the trauma of war does not just affect those on the frontlines. The psychological damage inflicted on children can shape their future for years to come. That is why our mission is so vital. We are not just offering temporary relief; we are investing in their futures, providing them with the tools and support to rebuild their lives in the face of unimaginable hardship.
As Ukraine faces yet another year of conflict, we remain hopeful. Despite the hardships, we believe that together, we can help these children heal and rebuild their lives. Tomorrow may not be easy, but with the right care, support, and dedication, it can be better.
And through it all, we will continue to be a beacon of hope, shining a light in the darkness for the children who have known too much pain.