‘Peaceful Summer for Donbass Children‘: 129 children had a rest in the camp ‘Albatross‘

On August 21, the last shift was finished in the camp ‘Albatross‘, which is located in Kherson region. Within the framework of the project ‘Peaceful Summer for Donbass Children‘ implemented by the Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Center, 129 children rested and recovered on the shore of the Azov Sea in Strelkovoye village. Most of the children came from cities and villages located on the uncontrolled territory of Donbass, in the ‘grey zone‘, so they know firsthand what the war is.

In the camp ‘Albatross‘, children not only had fun, but also underwent psychological rehabilitation. The experienced psychologists worked with them. Using play activities, master classes and art therapy, they helped children to cope with their fears and anxieties. The Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Center delegated three psychologists; they each completed a training program ‘Trauma of War‘.

‘The rest away from the rumble of shells is vital for our children. This is a great opportunity for them to believe that childhood can be calm, peaceful, full of joy and careless days. This is the way every person's life should begin. The psychologists from the Humanitarian Center make every effort to stabilize the psychoemotional state of children, to increase their ability to cope with stress and to reduce anxiety and fear‘, Marina Sorokina, coordinator of psychological aid department of the Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Center, said.

In addition to the psychological trainings, children were playing football, participating in various quests, swimming in the sea and simply communicating in a kind, friendly atmosphere prevailing in the camp.

‘The project ‘Peaceful Summer for Donbass Children‘ is organized for children living in the near-front zone in Donbass. It is very important for these children to rest, relax and try to forget the horrors they have seen. To do so, the Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Center has attracted the best specialists who help children to cope with stresses and overcome fears. The summer is coming to an end, as well as the project ‘Peaceful Summer for Donbass Children‘. This year 472 children had a rest in our camps. Almost 3500 children have rested since the project implementation,‘ Andrei Khvorostyanko, programs and projects manager of the Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Center, noted.