Youth activities: resilience and hope for the future

The Care in Action Youth Programme, STEP, was able to reach 90 young people this summer to build their resilience and learn life and work skills. Then in two adventure camps, 50 of these teenagers went kayaking, had art therapy and even helped with environment action. The two adventure camps were made possible by BILD hilft e.V. ‘Ein Herz für Kinder’, which financed the participation costs to help teenagers cope with war. The new confidence and ideas continued when the teenagers went on to organise events in their own communities!

Besides the two camps, some highlights of the summer are:

• First Aid Training for 56 teenagers, in partnership with Malteser International – learning to respond to health emergencies is especially relevant in wartime
• Mental Health supported with 8 Art Therapy, 7 “Psychology Club” and 7 Board Games group sessions - these have a positive impact on reflection and self-soothing abilities while encouraging social connections, and a result, reduce stress and anxiety
• Connects.com.ua and social media engages youth with training topics – the biggest response was to 16 year old Nastya’s story, as she told about how she loves her foster family, enjoys volunteering and using the free learning resources on Connects, and how the Psychology Club therapy group has been a great discovery for her. (link here)

Kayak Adventure-Camps – with donations from BILD hilft e.V. “Ein Herz für Kinder”

The three-day camps gave the opportunity to kayak on the Western Bug River to teenagers who were displaced by war, are in foster care or who face other challenges at home. All the activities were designed to build resilience: teenagers gain confidence when they take on physical challenges in a new setting, and build teamwork and trust by sharing these experiences with others.

The camps offered a busy program!

• boating on the Western Bug River, with kayaks, paddle boards and small boats, which helped to increase teenagers' self-confidence and give them a sense of self-sufficiency;
• art therapy sessions to help reduce anxiety, depression and aggression;
• visit and broadcast on Radio Sokal, as well as training on media literacy, communication techniques and radio journalism;
• cultural excursions: to the Museums of Local Lore, Art and Mining, and to Sokal High School where they met young volunteers and played volleyball and football;
• eco-activism: they cared for the environment by collecting litter, then expressed themselves by creating an artwork using natural materials.

“Since the teenagers were from different parts of Lviv Region, they could make new friends and discover the history and sights of other cities. In the first camp, the 24 teenagers from Hlynyany met the local youth initiative called “TBTeam”.  They talked about the camping for displaced people, concerts and cooking events they had organised, and showed by example that teenagers can initiate change. This experience inspired a similar youth initiative in Hlyniany.” – Ihor Moyseyenko, STEP Program Manager

The camp participants went on to organise and perform in a concert for Ukraine’s Independence Day in Hlynyany. We applaud their active citizenship as they put their ideas into action!

Young people shared their impressions of the camp:

‘Kayaking on the Bug River made a strong impression, thanks to the beautiful scenery, active recreation and strengthening of team spirit’, said Irina, a camp participant.

‘I would like to thank the organisers for their attention and care. You were always there for us, adjusted to our needs, and looked after the wellbeing of each of us.’ - Nastya, 15 years old

‘I want to thank the organisers and everyone involved in the camp! The children are impressed and very happy. Thank you very much for this opportunity for our children!’ - said the mother of a camp participant.

Why these activities are important

War experiences create anxieties that make it difficult for young people to think about the future. For example, in the last few months a bomb hit Lviv and a father lost his wife and three daughters overnight. The children heard the explosion and still had to go to school in the morning. The children also lost friends and relatives who died in the war. Air raid alerts interrupt school lessons. That is why it is important that our help gives the children relief and strength to cope with the daily challenges.

Thank you to all of our donors in Germany, and to BILD hilft e.V. „Ein Herz für Kinder“ for covering the camp costs! Let’s STEP together towards a successful future for our youth!