Child "Magic of Color": Restoring a Sense of Safety and Childhood Through Creativity

In the collective centers of Kharkiv, currently housing families displaced from occupied Kupyansk and other high-risk areas, a special focus is placed on the youngest residents. Alongside our initiatives for adults, we regularly organize "Magic of Color" group sessions specifically for children, as their mental health requires an exceptionally delicate and tailored approach. During the first half of April, we facilitated a series of these workshops where children worked with plaster figurines under the guidance of a professional psychologist. For a child who has experienced evacuation and the loss of their familiar environment, such activities are more than just recreation—they serve as a vital therapeutic tool.

Focusing on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

In our work with internally displaced (IDP) children, we prioritize psycho-emotional stabilization through art therapy. The realities of war and life in temporary shelters often strip children of their sense of stability. However, the process of painting allows them to shift their focus from intrusive, anxious thoughts to the act of creative expression. When a child selects bright colors and "brings a figurine to life," they are subconsciously reclaiming a sense of agency and control over their immediate world.

During these sessions, the psychologist does more than provide artistic guidance; she observes the children’s behavior, helping them navigate and release suppressed emotions—such as fear, grief, or anger—through form and color. This intervention is crucial for the prevention of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and for supporting healthy child development under conditions of prolonged toxic stress.

A Collaborative Commitment to the Future

These children's programs are the result of a dedicated partnership between Eleos-Ukraine and LWF Ukraine, with the generous support of ACT Alliance. We understand that children’s mental health is the foundation of their future. Therefore, we strive to create safe spaces where every young displaced person can simply be a child again—playing, creating, and feeling secure. Together, we are proving that even within the challenging environment of a collective center, there is room for the kind of "magic" that heals the soul and restores smiles to those who have witnessed far too much at such a young age.