Today I would like to share with the PACES community some stories from our first round of OpSAFE camps in Ukraine. OperationSAFE is an evidence-based, community-run program that has been used in countries around the world to help children recover from trauma after disasters and conflict.
"P. is 7 years old. A well-developed, intelligent boy beyond his years, fascinated by the space theme. He was interested in everything: rockets, space, planets, galaxies.
In March, the boy with his family - mother and younger brother - moved from Severodonetsk to the city of Cherkasy... because of the war. The boy withdrew into himself, began to smile less, and talk less. He was frightened by any loud noises. The consequences of the war became apparent.
Plato was lucky. Parents learned about Camp OpSAFE from friends.
The "Heart" station became a lifesaver for the child. Here he found the long-awaited peace, learned about simple exercises that will help in the future to tame the body and overcome his fear.
From Petryk's adventures, the boy learned about the old giant walrus Vasyl, who happened to be nearby and supported the penguin in his not easy journey. So, there are those nearby who can protect - reliable adults!
A special experience for Plato was a biblical story, which he, together with his friends, plunged into at the "Bible" station. Sitting in an improvised boat, in semi-darkness, with the faint flickering of blue lanterns, to the sounds of the stormy sea, the child actually felt the support of Jesus himself for him and everyone who was nearby.
Did the Camp OpSAFE team achieve their goal? In every degree!
After all, the child smiles, and even at home😊 And also, P. started to communicate and even made friends!"
"L. is a 9-year-old boy from Mariupol. Because of the war, together with his best friend R., he had to leave his hometown, and he has no hope of returning home in the near future. Ruined houses, empty streets... In the past, there were also favorite football lessons, in which the friends were very successful.
Does this story sound familiar to you?
In the camp under the OpSafe program, listening to Petryk's adventures, the boys felt with all their hearts that there is hope for the best. That is why they fell in love with the whale Nadiya the most. But other heroes also became very dear to children. They diligently collected their badges and happily wore them on their hats.
Even outside the camp, parents noted the significant impact of the program on children, for which they thanked the founders of the program and the organizers of the camp."
Recently I talked with Dr. Suzanne Phillips on her radio show Psych Up Live in-depth about how OperationSAFE uses the power of local communities, story, animal characters, songs, games, and friendships to help children find hope after mass trauma.
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