Education in a Bubble, Ukraine-wide
As a result of the war, most children in Ukraine have experienced traumatic events such as displacement, violence, loss of
family and friends, hunger and cold. With “Education in a bubble”, we want to give 900 children in the east of the country back their joy and courage to face life.
Project Background
On February 24, 2022, war broke out over Ukraine as a result of Russia’s attack – virtually overnight and with devastating consequences. Entire regions were devastated, countless people lost their homes and many lost their lives.
Those who could fled and found a semblance of “normality” far away. Those who stayed have been living with the consequences of what they have experienced ever since. Children in particular are extremely traumatized and have not yet come to terms with the images they have seen.
Our partner organization Save Ukraine has been actively on the ground since the beginning of the war, initially providing emergency aid and increasingly long-term support, primarily in the field of art and music therapy. In the last two years, a center has been set up in Kiev, for example, that children and young people can visit regularly.
Under the guidance of experienced trainers and psychologists, the center’s staff were trained to deal with children affected by trauma in such a way that they can better process their experiences. The work in Kiev is going well, but so many more children need help, especially in the east of Ukraine, where the war still shows its worst face every day. However, setting up a stationary facility there would be problematic in such a fragile context.
The solution: the so-called “Pop-Hub”, an innovative inflatable bubble that can be set up and furnished in no time and can thus reach many children in a mobile way. A small team will go out with this mobile Pop-Hub to conduct temporary workshops. In one-day or 7-10-day workshops, children and young people experience a break from the ongoing uncertainty and traumatic experiences they have faced. The content of the workshops is diverse and ranges from painting and crafting to movement and theater activities. They are always adapted to the duration of the workshop and the age of the children.
Target group
We want to give back a piece of mental health to a total of 900 Ukrainian children aged 7 to 16 years. They have experienced traumatic events such as displacement, violence, loss of family and friends, hunger and cold. Their daily lives are often bleak and lacking in joy, fun and variety.
Project Targets
The aim of the Pop-Hub is to bring something positive into the lives of children and young people who are going through a difficult time, so that they do not lose hope.
In addition, social interaction is encouraged. The workshops promote play and communication between children and young people, thus improving their social skills. It is also the aim of the project to strengthen the self-confidence of the participants by helping them to discover their talents and receive positive feedback from the workshops. Through activities such as painting, crafting or theater, the creative potential of the participants is encouraged. Coping with trauma and stress: Art and music therapy
helps participants to process traumatic experiences and relieve stress.
By learning to approach challenges creatively, participants can strengthen their resilience to future stressors.
Another important aspect of the Pop-Hub is that it aims to become a safe place where participants can find support and a sense of belonging, thus improving their emotional well-being.
What your support achieves
Your donation will help to establish the Pop-Hub and run the workshops.
