Did you know that more than 5.1 million Ukrainian children have been displaced since Russia launched its full-scale invasion over three years ago?
Many of these children have endured unimaginable trauma. According to UNICEF, 1 in 5 Ukrainian children have lost a loved one, and 1 in 3 have witnessed someone being injured or killed.
Even after escaping the fighting, Ukrainian children are struggling to live a normal life. They are haunted by what they’ve seen and what they’ve lost.
In response, our partner in Ukraine launched an art therapy program to help displaced children like Aleksander.
Continue reading to learn more about art therapy and how it’s transformed Aleksander’s life:
Aleksander’s Story
Ukrainian children are finding hope and healing through art therapy
Aleksander — whose name has been changed for his privacy — is just 7 years old.
In 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Aleksander and his mother were forced to flee their home in Donetsk. The journey was terrifying. For weeks, they hid in dark basements without electricity, clean water, or heat.
Aleksander was confused and scared. He didn’t understand why he couldn’t play outside, see his friends, or sleep in his own bed. Over time, he developed a stutter and began suffering from severe anxiety.
Then, at the end of 2024, the war caught up with them. Once again, Aleksander and his mother were forced to run — this time to Ternopil. Shortly after they arrived, they learned that a rocket had destroyed the house they had just fled.
At this point, Aleksander had lived through more trauma in seven years than many experience in a lifetime … and like so many other children affected by war, he didn’t have the tools to process what he’s been through.
That’s when his mother discovered art therapy.
How Art Therapy Helps Aleksander
The boys and girls in the art program love showing off their beautiful creations!
Aleksander’s mother didn’t know how to help her son heal. He was withdrawn, anxious, and overwhelmed by the trauma he had experienced … but everything began to change when she visited a center supported by the World Help family. She learned about the art therapy program and signed him up immediately.
The moment Aleksander arrived, he was welcomed by other children his age — all of whom had faced the horrors of war.
Through drawing, painting, and other creative activities, these children are encouraged to express their emotions and share their stories in a safe, supportive space. With the guidance of trained therapists, they’re beginning to process their trauma and develop the emotional tools they need to move forward.
In each session, Aleksander and his peers also learn practical coping strategies to help them manage panic attacks, anxiety, and fear. Before the day ends, they enjoy a Bible lesson and get to play games. These simple joys help restore a sense of normalcy.
“My son is slowly recovering,” Aleksander’s mother said.
Because of art therapy, and the support of people like you, Aleksander now has something he didn’t have before — hope for a better, brighter future.
How Can I Help?
You can transform the lives of children from high-conflict areas
Displaced children like Aleksander are in desperate need of help and hope.
War has stolen their childhoods. Many have lost their homes, their loved ones, and any sense of safety or stability. Now, they need YOUR help on the long road to recovery.
Will you be a lifeline for a child like Aleksander from Ukraine, South Sudan, Venezuela, or another high-conflict area?
Your $35 gift will provide a week’s worth of emergency supplies like food, clean water, medical care, and other critical aid to one boy or girl impacted by war.
When you give, you’ll remind a child in need that they are seen, valued, and loved. You’ll also be a powerful reminder of how much God loves them.