Back-to-School Mornings and Ongoing Activities: A September Recap at the “Voices of Children” Centers

September may have brought fewer sunny days, but our centers cannot be scared away! Here is a look at how the first month of fall went for “Voices of Children” across the regions where we operate.

In Kryvyi Rih, the center actively worked with teenagers, holding sessions with psychologists focused on fears, competition, and attachment, throughout September. Participants worked on their own emotions and learned to better understand those around them.

In addition, psychologists at the center conducted three training sessions for parents, foster parents, and guardians. They also held training sessions for parents and children, where participants tried to improve family relationships.

The Zaporizhzhia centers held art therapy sessions all month and completed the “Life Skills and Teen Parenting” course under the PALS program. Mobile teams continued their work as well. A coordinator from one of the centers shares a story about a girl who received help from the Foundation’s psychologists during a visit to one of the communities:

She admitted that she was happy to meet us because we not only listened to her but also provided psychosocial and psychological support. She eagerly awaits her first individual consultation, as she faces several serious challenges that require resolution and assistance.

In Lviv, a new group, “My Superpower”, for children aged 7–9, began. Specialists are teaching children how to handle stressful situations, recognize and manage their emotions, and develop communication skills with peers. A support group for teenagers aged 13–17, called “Upgrade Time”, also began its sessions.

We immediately noticed the kids in both groups were interacting really well. They quickly built a ‘common ground’, which gives us a great foundation for continued work and deeper connections within the group. We hope this positive energy keeps growing! said the center’s leader.

In Chernihiv, the center conducted sessions for parents on topics such as stress management, resource-seeking, and providing support during the war. For children, the “Safe Space” program was held, which involved various age groups.

In Truskavets, a five-week “Theater of Emotions” intensive began. Every Saturday, children gather to learn the ins and outs of different emotions and ways to manage them through fun exercises. Many children have formed friendships during the sessions and started communicating outside the center.

Our center in Kyiv received an anonymous review in September: “Too cool for this planet. The best place I have ever been.” The center launched three weekly groups: “Theater for Teens”, “Fairytale Creators”, and “Game Space”.

A teenager from Mariupol, who has been attending the center for almost a year, lost her father this month. When new children joined the sessions, she said that this was the best place in Kyiv for her, shared the center’s coordinator.

In Vysokyi, Kharkiv Oblast, three new groups for children were launched:

• “Lighthouse” – helping children find inner strength to overcome difficulties;
• “My Superpower” – aimed at boosting confidence and recognizing individual strengths, with the first participants already completing the course;
• “Unique” – teaching children to embrace their uniqueness and interact with others.

In addition to the usual psychological support groups, the Kharkiv center contributed to a charity exhibition in London. In September, a volunteer approached the center, asking the children to create traditional motanka dolls symbolizing children who have lost their lives in the war. After four creative sessions, the children, together with the center’s specialists, made 48 motanka dolls, which were sent to the London exhibition.

In Mykolaiv, a recovery group for adults was launched in September, alongside numerous themed activities for children. The most popular groups include the “Active Recreation Club” for children aged 11-14 and the “Discussion Club” for teenagers, where they can discuss topics of interest, play guitar, and learn Ukrainian songs.

In Dnipro, three weekly groups for teenagers began, along with weekly creative activities at the center and partner locations. The mobile teams conducted six outreach visits to communities in September. The requests varied. However, everyone expressed gratitude to the Foundation’s psychologists.

In Chernivtsi, the center’s specialists actively held themed sessions and ran the “Safe Space” program throughout September. One coordinator shared an insight:

The exercise ‘Why Are We Here? What Unites Us?’ revealed many common interests, passions, dreams, and thoughts among the group members. We created a group ritual and repeated it at each session. Together with the children, we learned to use our imagination and physical selves to manage the complex emotions and feelings we encounter, shared the center coordinator.

We are sure that in October life in our centers will bring even more vibrant and fulfilling experiences. Stay tuned for our updates!

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