Mental Health Support for Preschoolers in Ukraine

We want to start by saying a heartfelt thank you.The "Healing Forest" is a specialized methodology designed to build resilience and provide psychological safety, and your support has allowed us to witness life-changing breakthroughs this season.

So we wanted to share some stories of resilience and healing with you. 

One of our young participants, whose father is currently serving in the military, came to the sessions with what facilitators described as an "internal storm." Having overheard far too much about the harsh realities of the frontline, he was paralyzed by fear, wanting to speak but not knowing how. Through the nature-based tasks of the "Healing Forest" like gathering wood and planting trees – the facilitators gave him a sense of agency. By appointing him the "guardian of the campfire," they built a bridge of trust. This responsibility allowed him to finally open up and share the stories that were weighing him down, transforming his silent anxiety into a healing conversation.

In another instance, facilitators worked with a girl who suffered from intense emotional crises. Even the smallest failure, like a mistake in a drawing, would lead to an uncontrollable tantrum. During a moment of frustration while planting a tree, our facilitator introduced her to the "Tree" breathing exercise. In just 30 seconds, she learned to regulate her own emotions. This is the core of our work: giving children practical tools they can use for the rest of their lives. Today, her outbursts are rare, and she has the confidence to calm herself down independently.

Healing even one child is a victory. That’s why we are incredibly proud to report that we also have successfully conducted intensive training for a new group of educators from across Ukraine. We have trained 29 new facilitators. This is a massive milestone because it means that this spring, the "Healing Forest" will launch in 14 additional kindergartens and preschools.

By equipping teachers with this methodology, we aren't just giving them a lesson plan – we are giving them the skills to identify trauma, de-escalate crises, and build a resilient generation. 

Help Us Grow the Forest! 

The "Healing Forest" is growing, and we need your help to keep this up. Please share our story with your friends, family, and network. By spreading the word, you help us reach more communities and ensure that every Ukrainian preschooler has the tools to stay strong, hopeful, and resilient.