The events of summer 2014 in eastern Ukraine forced Svitlana, her three-year-old son Borys, and her mother to leave their home in Yasynuvata City.
Due to Borys’s developmental needs and the stress he endured, he required constant attention, leaving Svitlana unable to work after their relocation. Her mother took on full financial responsibility. An unfamiliar community, minimal rented housing, and the loss of stability demanded coordination, strength, and resilience from the women.
Svitlana dedicated all her energy to Borys’s rehabilitation, as he faced significant challenges adapting to change. He began walking and speaking later than his peers and started school later as well. Despite participating in an inclusive program, socialization remained a challenge for the boy.
The full-scale invasion further complicated the situation. Air-raids, the need to hide, danger, and explosions created a constant state of stress for the teenager. His anxiety made his emotions inaccessible even to himself.
When Svitlana learned about the Girls. Children Club, she didn’t hesitate to seek help. Borys began attending individual sessions with a psychologist. For him, it was a new experience. Initially, he did not trust the specialists working with him. However, with each session, his caution gave way to important changes.
“The trauma of war is complex, not only because of the experience itself but also its repetitiveness: we all live in a state of 'chronic threat,' and the world around us is full of triggers — loud noises, darkness, crowds, or even unfamiliar faces can cause waves of anxiety. This severs connections with oneself and others. The most important factors for recovery are a sense of safety and relationships that rebuild trust. The family provides support, we as specialists must find the right approach, and the child makes efforts to change. Such progress is truly heartening. Borys has become more confident. Now he can clearly say 'yes' or 'no,' expressing his desires and needs. He no longer retreats into himself but shares his feelings with his mother or grandmother,” says the Psychologist.
Group sessions helped Borys feel part of a community. He is learning to interact with other children, express his thoughts without fear of judgment, and is no longer afraid of making mistakes. During workshops, Borys reveals his creativity — drawing, building, and crafting. However, his favorite activities are the active games at the club. This is when he can simply be himself and enjoy his childhood.
“This place has become a source of hope for us, proving that the future can be bright and filled with joy. I’ve watched my son change, and it inspired me to keep moving forward. Every time he came home after a session, his face lit up. Each smile gave me strength,” shares Svitlana.
Support for the family is made possible through the project "Support to children and adolescents affected by the war in Ukraine" implemented with the support of KNH.
