RC Ukraine E-Club | Equine-assisted therapy for children displaced by war 

Rotary Club Ukraine, E-Club organises the Project for equine therapy for Children.

Project title
A GIFT OF SMILE FOR CHILDREN IN UKRAINE.
Equine-assisted therapy for children displaced by war.
 
Background
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War which began in 2014. Russian aggression has led to dire humanitarian impacts. Children have been enormously affected in Ukraine as a result of the Russian full-scale armed aggression.
“The war has caused one of the fastest large-scale displacements of children since World War II,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “This is a grim milestone that could have lasting consequences for generations to come. Children’s safety, wellbeing and access to essential services are all under threat from non-stop violence.” 
As one of the safer regions, Lviv Oblast hosted a record number of internally displaced people (IDPs). According to the Lviv Regional State Administration, Lviv Oblast currently hosts around 250,000 IDPs, including 70,000 children.
 
Specific challenges faced by IDP children
EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS. After the traumatic experience, some children find it very difficult to socialize. Another obstacle is the lack of places where they can spend time with pleasure. They miss their home and old friends. Lack of attention and a period of adaptation to a new place.
LEARNING PROBLEMS. Due to the stress and evacuation, some lost their focus and motivation to study.
 
Solution
Equine-assisted therapy in Lviv conducted by certified specialists, therapists and physical rehabilitators.
 
Target audience:
Children aged 2 to 14 y.o. who survived occupation, majority from Mariupol, Bakhmut (Donetsk Oblast) and Kreminna (Luhansk Oblast).
And Children with disabilities (cerebral palsy and autism).
 
Activities to include:
• Sessions held 3 times a week for groups of 5 children each
• Socialization and adaptation to new living conditions
• Work with a psychologist to overcome post-traumatic war syndromes
• Rehabilitation
• Leisure activities (excursions) 2 times a month; touristic trips in the Carpathian      mountains once a month
• The course is designed for half a year
 
Results:
✔socialization
✔improvement of movement coordination
✔improvement of communication skills
✔overcoming fears, anxiety states
✔development of the cognitive sphere
✔normalization of muscle tone
✔strengthening of back, neck, leg muscles
 
Program costs
Minimum required duration (6 months): 7,800 EUR
A year-long program: 15,600 EUR
 
Partner organization (service provider):
Public organization “EQUESTRIAN CLUB “CAPRIOL”

Primary contact:
Tetyana Prylipko
+380977190792
p.tetyana.ua@gmail.com