Saving lives: children illegally taken to russia and returned to Ukraine took a masterclass in mine safety from the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation
The winter session of the Blogger Camp by Rinat Akhmetov Foundation is unique. For the first time, it is attended by boys and girls who were illegally taken to russia and managed to return home. Recently, the session participants took part in a mine safety masterclass conducted by Olha Frolova, the psychologist and mine risk instructor.
“This topic is very relevant because a year of war equals 10 years of demining and clearing the territories. Today, 30% of the entire territory of Ukraine is considered to be contaminated with explosive materials. Children need to know basic things that will save their health and lives. If they are sufficiently aware and educated on this topic, they can prevent these risks for themselves, their families, and friends,” Olha said.
The programme is built in an interactive format. When the instructor works with children, she updates the knowledge they already have. An important area of work is to dispel myths and misconceptions about interacting with these dangerous objects. It is also valuable that children can become an “entry point” for informing adults, preventing danger to them.
“We are talking about such simple rules as “Stay away. Don't touch. Call”. This is the result with which children leave the class. They know it, talk about it among themselves, and pass it on to their family and friends. Plus, handouts: the children will take these booklets to their families and schools,” the psychologist explains.
The presentations Olha uses in her work with children were developed by the HALO Trust, the humanitarian organisation that clears mines and other explosive ordnance worldwide. The materials are adapted and structured as step-by-step instructions. They contain information about the explosive ordnance currently present in Ukraine. And, Olha says, the children confirmed that they had seen such things. So, this masterclass will significantly increase their awareness of potentially dangerous objects around them.
Children who have experienced the trauma of being illegally transported to the aggressor country need a particularly attentive approach to rehabilitation and help. That is why the Blogger Camp winter session includes a reinforced team of psychologists and an osteopathic doctor who deals with physical rehabilitation.
As part of the "Rinat Akhmetov for Children. Peaceful Recreation for Children of Ukraine" project, almost 4.9 thousand children from all over Ukraine affected by the war improved their health, rested, and received qualified psychological help at the Blogger Camp.
