Drawn memories of abducted Ukrainian children
At least 20,651 children have been abducted by russia from the occupied territories of Ukraine since 2022. The few who were able to return tell of camps, propaganda and violence. An art therapy project by the Terre des Hommes partner organisation “Girls” helps them come to terms with their time in captivity.
We collect here the stories that partner organisations share with us. The first four come from Terre des Hommes and its Ukrainian partner organisation “Girls”.
These stories describe violence against children.
Ania, 11, from Kherson
In autumn 2022 the occupiers sent Ania to what was supposedly a two-week holiday camp.
Read the story
Artem, 15, from Kupiansk
Artem was given a russian military uniform and forced to take part in military drills.
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Kira, 10, from Kherson
What should have been two weeks of leisure and rest became six months in so-called “reeducation camps”.
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Artem, 15, from Kherson
In the mornings the children had to sing the russian anthem. Speaking Ukrainian was forbidden.
Read the story
Making the unspeakable visible in pictures
The Terre des Hommes partner organisation “Girls” helps freed children work through traumatic experiences, regain trust in other people and find new courage.
The way there leads through art therapy: in pictures the children can give their memories a shape, talk about them and overcome their fears step by step. Professional therapists support them.
„Some of the children have never talked about their experiences before, but they are ready to draw them. Whatever form of expression they choose, the golden rule is: we follow the children. If they want to talk about something, we take the time. If they don't want to go on, we stop at any point.“Tetiana Khodakivska, project coordinator, NGO “Girls”
Text and drawings: Terre des Hommes Deutschland and the Ukrainian NGO “Girls” · tdh.de