Story
By:
  • Inha Musiiuk | Communications Specialist

The war in Ukraine has reshaped the daily lives of millions of people, creating a need for connection and moments of relief. Recognizing this, IOM organized a series of activities for displaced people, people with disabilities, and their families ahead of the holiday season. These events combined excursions and creative workshops, allowing participants to emotionally recharge and foster social connections.

IOM facilitating inclusive transportation for people with disabilities. Photo: Inha Musiiuk/IOM

One of the activities was attending the equestrian club in Dnipropetrovsk region. Interaction with animals offered an opportunity to relax, reduce stress, and experience positive emotions in a calm and welcoming environment.

Participants attending an equestrian club. Photo: Inha Musiiuk/IOM

“Horses' sensitivity to human emotions helps participants become more aware of their feelings and regulate them, fostering connection and emotional awareness crucial for resilience,” as noted by Edhar Soboliev, National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer.

For many participants, it was a chance to step away from daily challenges and connect with others. 
 

Tetiana with her son Bohdan during a tour of the stables Photo: Inha Musiiuk/IOM

Among the participants were Tetiana and her son Bohdan, who has a disability. Bohdan, who is studying to become a psychologist, says he frequently encounters misunderstanding and prejudice from others. According to his mother, this makes it difficult for him to make friends.

Bohdan during a tour of the equestrian club. Photo: Inha Musiiuk/IOM

Attending the IOM event series made a difference for Bohdan: “My son often lacks interaction. But here, at the equestrian club, it’s different. The whole trip was fabulous! Interacting with animals influenced us both positively, even though it was a little scary at first.”

Bohdan at the event, organized by IOM's Mental Health and Psychosocial Team. Photo: Inha Musiiuk/IOM

Yuliia, another participant of the event, fled the Donetsk region following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and sought safety in Dnipro. Living with vision impairments, Yuliia rarely travels and connects with others. “You’re often stuck within four walls. It’s hard to relax. But when you attend events like this, it feels like stepping into a different world,” she shared.

Yuliia during a tour of the equestrian club. Photo: Inha Musiiuk/IOM

Zhanna, the representative of the non-governmental organization “I Know You Can,” also attended the activities with her daughter Mariia, who has a disability. For Zhanna, the activities were not only a chance to spend time with her daughter but also an opportunity to discover something new for both of them. “These days, we barely go out and lack positive emotions because we spend so much time at home. Horses helped us unwind and experience a range of emotions,” she said.

Zhanna with daughter Mariia interacting with horses of the equestrian club

Throughout the two-day programme, participants not only spent time with animals but explored a museum, attended a creative painting workshop, and enjoyed a walk alongside a lake. These activities helped people feel relaxed, make friends, and most importantly find a safe place to express themselves through hands-on experience.
 

(Left) Zhanna and her daughter Mariia during an excursion of the Petrykivka ethnographic museum. Photo: Inha Musiiuk/IOM (Right) Mariia during a master class on Petrykivka painting in the Petrykivka ethnographic museum. Photo: Inha Musiiuk/IOM

Zhanna highlighted how such activities inspire her work. “When everything is uncertain, such events are like a ray of sunshine, bringing so much positivity,” she added. 

Participants during speaking session with IOM's Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Team. Photo: Inha Musiiuk/IOM

By creating an environment that encourages trust and self-expression, IOM continues to provide support to those affected by the war in Ukraine.

The activities were made possible thanks to the financial support of USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.

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