Healing, friendship and integration for displaced Ukrainian children in Moldova

Above: Children attending the Child-Friendly Space in Vulcanesti, southern Moldova, show off their artworks.

“We learn here how to acknowledge our feelings. If I feel angry, I must let that emotion out,” says Victoria, 12, while meticulously applying bright yellow oil on the painting she has been working on for the past hour.

Eleven children are all engaged in craft projects, diligently sketching colorful spring flowers. “Use the colours that describe your current state of mind,” says Natalia, the facilitator of the Child-Friendly Space in Vulcanesti, southern Moldova.

Soothing background music fills the spacious room, surrounded by large shelves filled with books and board games. Natalia turns it on at the start of the session. Children unwind and become calmer.

The child-friendly space in Vulcanesti, implemented by Ave Copiii, World Vision’s local partner, and supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, brings together Ukrainian and Moldovan children every day to work on the arts, read and play.

Above: Facilitator Natalia Petrioglo says children are making friendships at the Ave Copiii Child Friendly Space in Vulcanesti, supported by World Vision through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.

“A child-friendly space is a great way to integrate Ukrainian children into the community. I noticed they slowly adapted to the new environment. They have effectively made friendships with the Moldovans,” shares Natalia Petrioglo, facilitator in Vulcanesti.

More than 105,000 Ukrainians have sought refuge in Moldova, and a vast majority are children. Psychosocial support and education are critical components of war-traumatized youngsters’ growth and integration in an unfamiliar environment, according to the educator.

“As teachers, we deal with children from difficult backgrounds, such as orphans or Ukrainian refugees who have witnessed the atrocities of war,” shares Natalia. “It is essential to determine the best method for helping them develop their emotional and cognitive brains.”

Dozens of facilitators in Moldova like Natalia have benefited from First Aid Arts training, supported by World Vision through AHP. The training utilises arts-based psycho-social resources to promote resilience and reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms.

“The sessions were extremely beneficial for me. Initially, we tested all the techniques on ourselves, the facilitators, to see how they worked and what influence they had on our mental state,” says Natalia.

She adds, “Our understanding of psychological facts now allows us to help children cope with stressors in a more effective way. We became better educators.”

After finishing their paintings, the children gather on the colorful carpet. Each participant grabs a balloon. Nine-year-old Ella chooses the green one and blows it up. “Think about an incident that upset you today or this week,” Natalia prompts the group.

Ella becomes thoughtful. “Recognise and release all negative emotions. As you let go of this balloon, let them soar away from you,” says Natalia. Bright floating balloons fill the room.

“I have noticed changes in the children’s behaviour. They are more energetic when they arrive at the facility after school. They are enthusiastic about the activities. They are engaged. They spend more time socialising with one another,” says Natalia.

She continues, “The ability to understand and acknowledge emotions, respond to stressful situations helps children not only in the child-friendly space, but also in their daily lives.”

Above: Anna, 9 (left), and Ella, 9 (right), enjoy the art workshop at the child-friendly space in Vulcanesti, southern Moldova, supported by the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.

“When I feel angry, I draw. Painting helps me express my feelings. If the first method doesn’t work, I read. Reading is also an effective way to calm down,” shares twelve-year-old Victoria.

“Ukrainian refugees are taught self-regulation and interpersonal skills through First Aid Arts training, which includes eight sessions with 17 fun, calming activities,” explains Anastasiia Vasylieva, World Vision’s coordinator for First Aid Arts training.

“This is an art and evidence-based method that helps 8–17-year-old children understand their feelings, build resilience, and respond to stress.”

Story by Laurentia Jora, World Vision Communications Officer, and originally published here.

Photos by Chris Lete and Eugene Combo/World Vision