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The “TOY THERAPY ROOM” stands as a nationwide charitable initiative established by a collective within the NGO The National Genofund amidst the full-scale invasion. Its primary aim is to mitigate the trauma endured by both children and adults impacted by Russia’s invasion, achieved through the application of puppetry and play therapy techniques.
The TOY THERAPY ROOM offers a carefully designed environment where children and adults can navigate their emotions in a healthy and supportive manner. Within these spaces, carefully curated by dedicated hosts, individuals can explore their feelings, replenish their inner strength, and nurture a sense of confidence in their own abilities and desires. Central to the experience are the hundreds of soft toys that inhabit each room. These toys serve not only as companions but also as conduits for understanding and healing. Participants are encouraged to select a toy at the outset of their session, which then becomes a steadfast ally throughout their journey. Beyond the confines of the therapy room, this toy becomes a transitional object through which psychologists gain insights into the person’s condition and provide assistance.
Today, the TOY THERAPY ROOM initiative boasts over 70 locations across Ukraine, extending its reach even beyond national borders to countries like Germany and Bulgaria. Spearheaded by Victoriia Nazarevich, a seasoned psychologist and the driving force behind the Nazarevich-Art psychology training portal, the project maintains a team of dedicated professionals comprising psychologists and art therapists.
For journalists seeking insight into this transformative endeavor, opportunities for interviews with project representatives and participants are available in Kyiv and other cities by prior arrangement. Additionally, online communication channels offer convenient access for those unable to attend in person.
Oleksandr Romenskyi, 28, enlisted in the Defense Forces in September 2022. He was initially hospitalized following combat near Kherson. After recuperating, he resumed fighting in the Donetsk region. In 2023, near Bakhmut, he sustained a severe head injury and multiple contusions from artillery fire. Following extensive treatment and rehabilitation, Oleksandr has begun relearning to walk. The injuries almost cost him his eyesight and resulted in a stutter, although his stutter vanishes when he sings. Ukrainian singer Serhii Lazanovskyi, moved by Oleksandr’s story, collaborated with him to record the song “Black Cloud.” The proceeds support the recovery efforts of Oleksandr and his fellow soldiers. Oleksandr continues his treatment and awaits eye surgery.
For reference: Oleksandr Romenskyi is currently in Kyiv and available for interviews with journalists, both online and in-person, by prior arrangement.
The Association of Azovstal Defenders’ Families and the Animalism by UAnimals Shop have launched a unique clothing collection—animals waiting for their owners’ release from captivity series. Two years ago, following orders, Mariupol’s defenders left the Azovstal plant, and most have been held captive since. The entire country, along with their Ukrainian fighter’s families, friends, and pets, eagerly awaits the return of these heroes.
The Association of Azovstal Defenders’ Families partnered with the Animalism by UAnimals store for this collection. Kateryna Prokopenko, head of the Association and wife of soldier Denys “Redis” Prokopenko, created the drawings. A talented illustrator designed a series, inspired by real animals waiting for their pet parents to come home freed from captivity.
For example, Chiara the female pit bull eagerly awaits Taras during his walks, always excited to see someone who resembles her owner from a distance. Oleksandr constantly carried his cat Marta in his arms, and before the full-scale invasion, he dreamed of taking her to a military base. Rem, the dog, enjoyed walking in the woods with his friend Serhii, but he became highly stressed by the noise of explosions after the invasion began. Sadly, Rem passed away before Serhiy was released from captivity. There are similar stories about other animals.
All proceeds from the T-shirt sales will go to the UAnimals humanitarian movement, which rescues animals affected by the war.
For reference: Denys Prokopenko, known by his call sign “Redis,” is a colonel and the commander of the 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov” of the National Guard of Ukraine. A participant in the Russia-Ukraine war and a Hero of Ukraine, Prokopenko was captured by Russian forces in May 2022 after leaving the Azovstal plant in Mariupol. At that time, the highest military command had ordered the city’s defense to cease to save the soldiers’ lives. He was released from captivity in September 2022.
The defense of Mariupol lasted 86 days and concluded on May 20, 2022.
The Grandma’s Hares project was launched three years ago by the Nasha Peremoga (Our Victory) Charitable Fund, which supports the elderly. This initiative aims to foster intergenerational communication by having participants, aged 60 and older, create hares from socks following a specific pattern. These soft toys are given to children in stressful situations, those who have suffered violence, or witnessed traumatic events. Police officers use these comforting toys to establish contact with or calm the children. For instance, the first doll hare was given to a young child who got lost and was found by the juvenile police.
Since the outbreak of the full-blown war, these toy hares have aided police officers in working with children affected by the warfare, including those who have lost parents or endured occupation. They are also distributed to children in shelters and hospitals. Additionally, hares in reflective vests have been used to teach preschoolers about traffic rules. During the winter blackouts, they provided comfort at the Points of Invincibility.
In May 2023, the elderly women crafted a special batch of brightly colored hares at the request of the White Angel unit of the National Police of Ukraine, which is responsible for evacuating children from the war zone.
Since the project’s inception, volunteer craftswomen from Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Lutsk, Ternopil, Mykolaiv, and Kharkiv regions have produced over 1,000 handmade doll hares, which have been distributed to the police. These toys are now used by Ukraine’s Juvenile Police across 19 regions and by the White Angel evacuation teams.
Journalists can arrange interviews with the project participants and organizers in Kyiv or other cities, and online communication is also available.
For reference: The practice of distributing Trauma Teddies to police is common in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, and Germany.
On May 21, the Gongadze Prize awards ceremony will take place in Kyiv, as this is the day when the name of this year’s winner of the award will be announced. As reported, the short list includes journalists Anna Babinets, Olga Rudenko and Tetiana Troshchynska.
– Anna Babinets is an investigative journalist and Head of Slidstvo.Info independent investigative agency, which she founded in 2012. Regional editor of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) network of investigators. In 2014, together with her colleagues, she founded the YanukovychLeaks initiative. Co-author of the Panama Papers international project, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting in 2017.
– Olga Rudenko is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Kyiv Independent. In 2016, she became an editor at the Kyiv Post and was published in a number of leading international publications. In 2021, the new owner of Kyiv Post suspended the media outlet. Therefore, the journalists launched The Kyiv Independent – the leading English-language publication about Ukraine. In 2022, TIME editors recognized Olga Rudenko as a leader of the next generation.
– Tetiana Troshchynska is Director of the Department for Strategic Analysis and Development of Socially Influential Content at Suspilne, Producer of the socio-political talk show “Noviy Vidlik” (New Countdown), a journalist at “Hromadske Radio”, a host at “Culture” Radio. From 2018 to 2024, she was the editor-in-chief of “Hromadske Radio.” She also hosted linear broadcasts and her own programs “Love Does Not Fade”, “40 is the new 20”, “We Have Agreed On Everything” and “Tailed wave.” In addition, Tetiana is developing and conducting training on strategic and crisis communication and conflict management, as well as on the improvement of communication and media skills. Finalist of the Gongadze Prize-2022.
During the event, colleagues and relatives of media workers who died as a result of russian aggression over the past year, will deliver speeches to honor the deceased media workers.
“Pyrig i Batig” band will perform at the awards ceremony.
Prior registration of journalists is mandatory.
The online broadcast will be held on the Facebook pages of the Gongadze Prize, PEN Ukraine, Kyiv-Mohyla Business School, and Ukrainian Pravda, as well as on the Gongadze Prize and Pershyi YouTube channels.
For reference: The Gongadze Prize is a major award for professional journalists in Ukraine. It was founded in 2019 by PEN Ukraine in partnership with the family of George Gongadze, the Kyiv-Mohyla Business School and “Ukrainian Pravda” media outlet.
On May 18, media representatives are invited to the “Veteran House” project’s Doors Open Day. This project is part of “New Perspective” – a large charitable educational program for veterans of the russo-Ukrainian war and their family members, which is implemented by the Alyona Vinnytska Charitable Foundation in cooperation with the Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv and with the support of the State Employment Service.
Those participating in the program can undergo psychological rehabilitation and acquire a new profession – a psychologist for veterans and their family members.
For the first time in Ukraine, the program involves a systematic approach to the training of such specialists and consists of several stages. (Journalists have the opportunity to learn more about them). The author of the idea and the leading psychologist of the program is Oleksandr Tkachenko, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, military psychologist, veteran of the russo-Ukrainian war.
During the “Veteran’s House” project’s Doors Open Day, media representatives will be able to take part in an “art hour,” chat with program participants, ask for comments from the program’s leading psychologist Oleksandr Tkachenko and Alyona Vinnytska.
The event requires accreditation.
For reference: Participation in the program is free of charge for and is funded by Alyona Vinnytska Foundation with the money coming from socially responsible businesses and caring citizens.
On May 17, the press opening of the exhibition “Qırım içün/For Crimea” will take place in Kyiv. The exhibition is dedicated to the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Genocide of the Crimean Tatar People. It will present the works of artists depicting the tragedy of the genocide of the Crimean Tatar people.
Prior accreditation is required. Accredited media will receive a confirmation letter regarding their accreditation and further participation details.
For reference: In Ukraine, May 18 marks the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Genocide of the Crimean Tatar People. Under Stalin’s orders, the deportation of Crimean Tatars from Crimea to Central Asia commenced on May 18, 1944. Approximately 200,000 people were forcibly removed in railway freight cars. This inhumane act of deportation resulted in countless casualties. Within days, an entire nation was uprooted from its homeland.
In 2021, Olha Akymova founded an online modeling school for women over 40. The project also worked with mothers of children with disabilities (participation was free for them): the idea was to give an opportunity to women who devote themselves completely to their children to discover themselves. A little later, young girls also joined the project, and it became inclusive. Models with and without disabilities work at the school, and together they participate in all the projects, shows, and performances.
The transformed project held its first classes in February 2022 in Kyiv and Lviv, but they had to stop because the full-scale invasion started. A year later, Olha decided to resume classes. The students of the school study subjects just like in any other modeling school: the basics of modeling, posing techniques, model walking, etc. The school operates in Kyiv and Lviv. Classes take place online and offline. Currently, the school has 32 graduates from Kyiv, Lviv, and Vinnytsia.
The mission of this project is to use the art of modeling to bring Ukrainian society closer to a new tolerant inclusive European barrier-free space with equal opportunities for everyone.
In the near future, journalists will be able to visit a show with the participation of the students of the modeling school in Lviv or a rehearsal in Kyiv.
On May 18, Kyiv will host a special gathering marking the second anniversary of the Mariupol garrison’s fighters leaving the besieged Mariupol Azovstal steel plant, featuring the participation of families of prisoners of war and liberated Mariupol defenders.
Two years ago, on May 20, 2022, the final defender of the Mariupol garrison departed Azovstal as per orders. Since then, many of these brave defenders have remained captive, leaving their families in a state of uncertainty. The event’s organizers aim to highlight the magnitude of the Mariupol tragedy, honor the courage of its defenders, and underscore the ongoing importance of advocating for their cause.
Joined by the families of Mariupol’s fighters, attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the city’s pre-invasion era and its defense during the 86-day siege, including 82 days of complete encirclement.
The program will include a performance titled “Poems of a Military Soul” from the “Light of Art” project, presented by the Department of Cultural and Public Development of the Mariupol City Council and the independent theater of original plays, “Conception,” led by Oleksii Hnatiuk.
Event registration is required.
Kyiv is set to showcase the ‘Combat Dronivka’ vyshyvanka on May 16th. Crafted by Tetiana Zez, this embroidered shirt, a collaborative effort between the World Vyshyvanka Day NGO and the Embroidery in the Clothes of Outstanding Ukrainians project, is tailored exclusively for the 2024 Vyshyvanka Day festivities.
The centerpiece of the ornament features a drone, symbolizing Ukrainian triumph in warfare. Complementing this are symbols such as the Cossack cross (also known as the cross of the Armed Forces of Ukraine), the State Emblem of Ukraine, the trident, and the English inscription “VictoryUA.” The bordering, designed by Olena Pchilka, signifies the emergence of new life from ancient roots.
The primary objective of the ‘Combat Dronivka’ initiative is to raise funds for the UAV strike systems unit (RUBAK) “Seraphim” of the 104th Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, along with support for the Dignitas Charitable Fund.
In the evening, a video projection titled “Poetry of Victory” will illuminate the facade of the Kyiv City State Administration, featuring readings of Ukrainian poetry by both classic and contemporary authors, exploring themes of war, suffering, faith, love, and triumph by:
– Ivan Lukavyi, a soldier of the 3rd Brigade;
– Tetiana Vlasova, poet;
– Kateryna Eikhman, volunteer;
– Valerii Vasyliev, a former Russian prisoner of war, a soldier of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
– Myroslav Otkovych, a soldier of the 241st Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
– Akhtem Seitablaev, director, actor, serviceman of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
– Taras Kompanichenko, musician, serviceman of the 241st Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
– Yevhen Nyshchuk, General Director and Artistic Director of the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, theater and film actor;
– Serhii Korshikov, actor, and serviceman of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
– Maksym Devizorov, actor, serviceman of the 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
– Vira Lytvynenko, mother of the fallen soldier Vladyslav Lytvynenko;
– Olha Chernilevska, mother of the fallen soldier Illia Chernilevskyi;
– Kateryna Pryimak, volunteer, veteran;
– Kateryna Halushka, volunteer paramedic;
– Olena Prokopenko, mother of missing soldier Dmytro Prokopenko.
