In the serene surroundings of Ukraine's Carpathian mountains, a summer camp has become a beacon of hope for children facing the anguish of having missing parents due to the ongoing war. On the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion, young Dima received a poignant message from his father, who soon left for the front lines. Surrounded by other children, Dima shared memories of his dad, commemorating them with candles around a campfire.
This camp, organized by the charity Gen.Ukrainian, serves children who have lost parents in the conflict, with over 70,000 individuals currently reported missing. The camp offers a safe refuge in western Ukraine, far from the war's immediate dangers, encouraging children to express their emotions and participate in group therapy sessions.
Many of the children suffer from compounded trauma, having lost multiple family members. One child recounted her initial experience of bombings, while Dima narrated the heartbreaking moment when his father vanished, leaving behind feelings of uncertainty and despair. “I kept hoping until the end that Dad is a prisoner of war somewhere. Even now I still hope,” Dima shared.
Psychologists at the camp employ various therapeutic methods to address the children's emotional needs, utilizing art and physical activities to facilitate healing. Children depict their feelings through art, with one young boy creatively envisioning joyful reunions with his father.
The camp also permits a brief reprieve from the relentless fear inflicted by air-raid sirens and the threat of bombings that many of these children endure in their daily lives. For them, shared experiences in a supportive environment help foster connections, as illustrated during a poignant camp closing ceremony where bonds were solidified with tears of farewell.
Oksana Lebedieva, the founder of Gen.Ukrainian, emphasizes the importance of group therapy in helping children feel less isolated in their suffering, stating, "It's very important to see you're not alone with the pain." As millions of Ukrainian children are affected by the war, the charity's efforts highlight a profound humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold.
