Quick Bytes
- Over 19,000 Ukrainian children taken to Russia since the invasion, with only 388 returned.
- International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant for Putin over unlawful child deportations.
- Rinat Akhmetov Foundation’s camp helps war-affected Ukrainian children heal and recover.
- The camp offers therapeutic activities, career skill development, and mental health support.
Healing Young Lives: Ukrainian Camp Aids War-Affected Children
Mark Rozvozov’s life was upended when his parents were detained in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, leading to his and his brother’s relocation to Russia. After their mother’s release, they returned to Ukraine, facing the challenge of healing from their ordeal.
Ukraine’s struggle to repatriate over 19,000 children taken by Russian authorities is underscored by an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin. President Zelensky emphasizes the urgency of this issue, as children grow up indoctrinated with anti-Ukrainian sentiment.
To aid in recovery, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, established by a Ukrainian billionaire, sponsors a camp providing a respite for children like Mark. The camp offers a blend of relaxation, psychological support, and skill-building activities in a serene mountain setting. It has supported over 5,000 children since 2015, prioritizing those most affected by the war.
Children engage in sports, creative arts, and social media training, with special guests enriching the experience. Psychologists and mentors work to rebuild the children’s mental resilience, using techniques like art therapy and community-building exercises.
The camp’s success is evident in the positive transformations observed in the children, who leave with renewed hope and coping skills. As the camp concludes, the joy and camaraderie shared among the children highlight the program’s impact on their journey to recovery.
Image Credits
- Image of Mark Rozvozov at the camp: Courtesy of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation.
- Image of Sonya Zabolotnaya at the camp: Courtesy of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation.
