Since 2022, Ukrainian children have been facing extreme violence and instability, which has profoundly affected their psychological well-being. In response to this situation, Humacoop-Amel France launched a psychosocial support program, first in Poland (2022) with the Wolno Nam association, then in Lutsk, Ukraine (2024) with Creativity For Life, after achieving positive results. These drawing and free play sessions for Ukrainian children, based on the ESAR system methodology, create a safe space and time for children to play freely.
The project has three main objectives:
- To provide children with safe spaces where they can play freely and express themselves to promote their healing and recovery;
- Strengthen the skills of local professionals and volunteers;
- Establish a sustainable network of trained local actors capable of replicating and expanding this method. At the same time, awareness campaigns target families, institutions, and the general public to promote play as a tool for resilience and mental health.
This project directly benefits refugee and internally displaced children and mothers. Since 2024, more than 1,500 children have already benefited from this project in Lutsk, with the goal of reaching 3,000 children by 2026. More than 30 professionals and students have been trained, with the goal of reaching 50 local actors and 50 students by the end of the project. Approximately 2,000 families will also benefit from improved psychosocial support and safe play environments, ensuring both impact and long-term sustainability.
However, to continue, we need your help! We will not be able to continue this project and continue to provide a safe space where children’s innocence can flourish without your donations.
Feel free to scroll down to see testimonials!
Our testimonials from Ukraine
Nataliya Zhuravleva, president of the Ukrainian association Creativity for Life, our main partner in Lutsk
“ “The “Playing & Rules” program creates a unique space where playing is not just entertainment but also a tool for development, healing, and socialization. One of the key aspects of this program is accessibility : not all children can afford to buy board games or attend paid play spaces, so open play sessions are especially important. The program also offers children who live in a state of chronic anxiety a chance to safely experience and process their fears through play, releasing internal tension and feeling supported by their environment. Play serves a therapeutic function, helping children better understand themselves and find ways to interact with the world. Another significant outcome is the increase in children’s socialization. Today, many children are under constant adult supervision : school, tutors, extracurriculars — all of this leaves little time for free play. In trying to ensure a safe environment, parents often limit unstructured peer interaction. The “Playing & Rules” program fills this gap, giving children space for real communication, initiative, and emotional freedom.”
May 10th, 2025, during an interview on the impact of our project
“My morning started with a cannonade.
Shaheds flew right over my house — loud, frightening, and far too real. It sounded like they were shooting them down with anything they could. Explosions followed.
For a moment, I thought about running to the basement… but then I just turned to the other side and decided to sleep a little longer. I thought there wouldn’t be any playing session this morning anyway.
But the air raid alert ended. No teachers called to cancel. No parents called to say they wouldn’t bring the little actors. So, I got up and headed to the library. And I’m glad I did.
The kids arrived on time, though you could see the fear in their eyes after the night’s alarm. That’s when I had to dig deep and use every bit of acting energy I had — smiles, dancing, games, cartoons. Slowly but surely, the tension began to melt away.
It was fun. It was needed. It was real. Some anxiety still lingers. In me, for sure.
But I truly hope the kids managed to enjoy themselves — and feel just a little safer.”
May 15th, 2025 following an alarm
Margot, 7 years old, member of Nataliya’s theater group
She performs in children’s shows in schools, libraries, and community centers, as well as in hospitals for wounded soldiers, upon request. After the show, a play session is organized with the soldiers. When asked about this activity, she said:
“I think it’s great to play with the military, and I believe that if we play with them, the war will end faster.”
Alla Yefremov, director of the Volyn Regional Youth Library
Our project to provide a safe space for children to play began to spread due to its success with Ukrainian children and mothers, and it was in this context that play sessions were set up following the training of librarians in October 2024.
“Books and games help us feel better, cope with our losses, and ease our minds taken by the war, this tragedy. The children who come to the library are very smart and your games and methods have elevated the level of our library. We had games before, but you organized a team of animators who propose games to the children who then choose the ones they like. We are going to continue working with your methods and support.
There are many favorable appreciations in Lutsk and the Volyn region. We wish to continue informing the other librarians in Lutsk and the Volyn region in order to diffuse the method and develop and share our experience with your support. We believe these activities will ease the pressure and that this war will end.”
October 2025
Nina Bocharova, director of the Central Library in Lutsk
Our project to provide a safe space for children to play began to spread due to its success with Ukrainian children and mothers, and it was in this context that play sessions were set up following the training of librarians in October 2024.
“Your games and toys made the children feel like our library was their home; It’s a home where you can play, interact with animators, and use the library.
We, the librarians, are seen as persons who stand by their side. We are people who play with them and explain how to play games. This gives the library the image of being a place where adults take care of children. We began to see our profession from another point of view, from the children’s point of view. Not just as persons who give out books, rather as persons who take the time to play with children.
During these playing sessions, we realized that each child has his own life. The children tell their stories spontaneously; we don’t need to ask: “Mom works a lot and doesn’t have time for us”. This is an open project for children. In the library, children are safe. This project allows us to see which games interest the children and how to expand our selection of games.”
April 2024
