By Giulia Scalabrino | Expatriate Officer
This summer, IBO Italia, in collaboration with local partners, significantly expanded its support efforts in Chernivtsi Oblast, benefiting both local communities and displaced families.
In addition to the ongoing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programs for children, adults, and the elderly, as well as food kit distribution and hygiene voucher initiatives, we launched several new activities designed to create meaningful opportunities for children and adults to heal, grow, and thrive.
Summer Camp: A Safe Haven for Families From July to September, we organized a summer camp offering safe spaces for children and their parents to relax and express themselves freely. These camps served as a vital outlet for emotional and social connection through activities such as sports, art therapy, music, wilderness games, and field trips. Tailored to specific age groups, these activities fostered healthy relationships and built lasting bonds among participants. The camp also provided dedicated spaces for parents—primarily mothers, given the current conflict in Ukraine and the presence of men on the frontline—to focus on their mental health and well-being while their children participated in structured activities.
Inclusive Theater Workshop: Empowering Emotional Expression. At the end of August, together with experts' from Italy, we held an inclusive theater workshop using the Cosquillas Theatre Methodology, a therapeutic tool for emotional and narrative processing. Children with disabilities and their families worked together to explore themes of empathy and emotional expression through theater. The workshop began with sessions for parents, allowing them to express their own emotions and experiences in a supportive environment in which they were allowed to be vulnerable. In the following days, children and parents collaborated to create an emotionally charged theater piece, culminating in a public performance that celebrated their growth and resilience. This unique experience provided families with valuable tools for emotional healing and connection.
After-School Programs: Supporting Learning and Well-Being With the start of the school year in September, we launched an after-school program in several schools throughout Chernivtsi Oblast. The program includes a range of activities, from cooking classes to English lessons, designed to engage children in educational and creative pursuits while promoting their physical and mental well-being. By offering structured after-school activities within the school environment, we provide a stable, supportive space for children to learn, grow, and flourish despite the ongoing challenges.
What’s Next? As we look ahead, our focus will be on expanding these critical programs to reach even more families in need. Continued funding will allow us to sustain the summer camp and after-school initiatives, and to increase our support to the population of Chernivtsi Oblast and the internally displaced people housed in the communities across the region.
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