Psychosocial Aid for AtRisk StaraBasan Children

Introduction

Between March 1 and June 15, 2026, CF “Chance to Change” continued its "Primary Psychological Education program" at the Stara Basan boarding school. Building on the foundation established in the previous period, this phase focused on consolidating emotional resilience, expanding future-oriented opportunities, and addressing the practical needs of children approaching graduation. The cohort remained stable, consisting of 30 children, including orphans, children deprived of parental care, and those from marginalized families or facing difficult life circumstances.

Methodology and Curriculum

Throughout the reporting period, we maintained a consistent schedule of twice-weekly therapeutic visits up until the last week of May. A total of 28 group sessions were delivered, combining play-based therapy, sensory integration, and emotional literacy exercises. These sessions continued to reinforce self-regulation strategies, grounding practices, and constructive conflict-resolution skills. The predictable rhythm of our work has proven essential in maintaining the children’s sense of safety and stability, particularly as the end of the academic year approached—a time often accompanied by anxiety about the future.

Graduation Support and Festive Engagement

A major highlight of this period was our active involvement in organizing the boarding school’s graduation ceremony. Recognizing the profound emotional significance of this milestone, we procured formal dresses for the girls and suits for the boys, ensuring that every graduate could celebrate with dignity and pride. Additionally, we supported the creation of a dedicated photo zone, providing a festive atmosphere and lasting memories for the children. This initiative not only marked their academic achievements but also served as a powerful affirmation of their worth and belonging, mitigating feelings of abandonment that often accompany institutional transitions.

Sports Equipment Procurement

To promote physical activity, teamwork, and healthy outlets for stress, we purchased and delivered new sports equipment for the boarding school, including volleyball and football balls. This investment has already enriched the children’s leisure time, fostering peer interaction and physical well-being, which are integral components of psychosocial recovery in trauma-affected populations.

Career Guidance and Transition Pathways

Our career guidance component was significantly intensified during this period. We conducted specialized sessions introducing children to educational institutions in Kyiv, explaining admission procedures, and broadening their understanding of possible professional futures. Beyond group sessions, we provided individualized support to students preparing for graduation:

• Assisted in collecting and preparing required documentation for enrollment.

• Offered tutoring and preparatory consultations for entrance examinations.

• Facilitated accommodation arrangements, including guidance on dormitory applications and settling-in procedures.

As a direct outcome, we have identified and are now actively accompanying several graduating students through the transition to secondary and vocational education institutions in Kyiv. Our team continues to provide hands-on accompaniment, removing systemic barriers and ensuring that these young people can access educational opportunities beyond the institution.

Outcomes and Qualitative Impact

Consistent facilitator observations and feedback from boarding school staff indicate sustained positive developments:

• Emotional regulation and conflict management skills have become more embedded in daily interactions.

• Group cohesion and mutual support among the children have strengthened, particularly as they face the shared challenge of graduation.

• The career guidance and graduation support have visibly elevated the children’s aspirational horizons, with graduates expressing increased motivation and confidence in their ability to build independent lives.

• The introduction of sports equipment has added a new, joyful dimension to their routine, contributing to improved mood and physical health.

Plans for the Next Period

We will continue our weekly therapeutic sessions to consolidate emotional gains. Our primary focus will be the ongoing accompaniment of graduates as they transition to Kyiv-based educational institutions, ensuring their documentation, enrollment, and accommodation are fully secured. We also plan to expand the career guidance component to include more vocational exploration and alumni networking.

Outcomes — Headline Figures & Highlights

• Beneficiaries: 30 children (orphans, at-risk youth, and children from marginalized families).

• Sessions Delivered: 28 therapeutic and career guidance sessions (through the last week of May).

• Graduation Support: Formal dresses and suits provided for all graduates; photo zone organized for the ceremony.

• Sports Equipment: Volleyball and football balls purchased and delivered to the boarding school.

• Transition Pathways: Active support for graduating students—documentation assistance, entrance exam preparation, and dormitory placement facilitation for Kyiv-based institutions.

• Qualitative Impact: Enhanced emotional resilience, increased future-oriented motivation, improved physical activity, and strengthened group cohesion; graduation celebrated with dignity and joy, reinforcing children’s sense of self-worth and social inclusion.