In a world filled with adult anxieties, how can we preserve an island of wonder for a child? Especially when that child perceives the world differently, with greater sensitivity and openness. For children with Down syndrome, who are often called “sunny children” for their sincerity, stability, and a safe space, are vitally important. War tries to take this feeling away, but art has the power to bring it back.
This was the goal of a special art therapy session, “In Search of a Miracle”, held on July 25, 2025, within the walls of Poltava Polytechnic (room 318-C). The event was conducted for children with Down syndrome and their families, combining elements of fairy tale therapy, sensory stimulation, emotional intelligence development, and creativity. The main goal of the event was to provide children with a safe space for emotional self-expression, imagination development, socialisation, and a sense of unity with their family.
The session was organised and led by Viktoriia Shevchuk, PhD in Psychology and Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy, and Lesia Klevaka, PhD in Pedagogy and Acting Head of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy. It was held within the framework of the large-scale international Erasmus+ KA220-ADU project “TRUST” – Trauma of refugees in Europe: An approach through art therapy as a solidarity program for Ukraine war victims (Grant No. 2024-BE01-KA220-ADU-000257527).
The project title is decoded as follows:
TRUST
T – Trauma
R – Refugees
U – Ukraine
S – Solidarity
T – Therapy
The project is co-funded by the EU and led by the Centre Neuro Psychiatrique St-Martin from Belgium, in partnership with the National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” (Ukraine), Greek Carers Network EPIONI (Greece), Fondazione Don Luigi Di Liegro (Italy), Lekama Foundation (Luxembourg), EuroPlural Project (Portugal).
The journey into the world of creativity began with an immersion into a sea fairy tale, which created a magical and safe atmosphere. Fairy tale therapy became the key that opened the door to the children's imagination and allowed them to talk about essential things in the language of images.
The first stage was the creation of a “magic fish” – a personal talisman that grants wishes. Using cereals, coloured paper, and glitter, the children were not just creating but also engaging in an essential dialogue with themselves. This process had several therapeutic levels: firstly, sensory stimulation through working with different textures, which is highly beneficial to child development. Secondly, it is a powerful exercise for developing fine motor skills. And most importantly, it is an opportunity to materialise their dream. Each child, while creating the fish, thought about their most cherished wish, embedding hope and a belief in miracles into it.
The next step was the deeply symbolic “Family Tree” exercise. Using finger paints, the children created a unique image where a handprint became a sturdy trunk, and fingerprints became branches. This metaphor is potent: the trunk represents the support, strength, and stability that the family provides. The branches are the children themselves and their loved ones, each unique, but all part of a single whole. The choice of colours was also not random: the children intuitively chose shades that they associated with their feelings within the family circle. This practice strengthens the bond with parents, forms a positive self-image, and provides a sense of belonging and security.
The session concluded with a warm circle of communication. The children shared their impressions, showed their artwork, and talked about what they enjoyed the most. Joy shone in their eyes, and their words conveyed a sense of acceptance and support. The parents who were present received not only positive emotions but also practical advice on how to continue such creative interaction at home.
“Art therapy for children with special educational needs is not just entertainment. It is a powerful tool for development, socialisation, and strengthening self-esteem. By creating such safe and creative spaces, we are investing in the mental health of our children and building a sensitive, inclusive society where every child feels valued and needed”, – the organisers concluded.
The implementation of such events within the TRUST project testifies to the importance of a comprehensive approach to providing psychological assistance to children with special educational needs in times of war. In this context, art therapy becomes not only a method of emotional relief but also a powerful tool for development, strengthening self-esteem, and social integration. The creation of such safe, warm, and creative spaces is an investment in the mental health of our children and in building a sensitive, inclusive society.
We remind you that lecturers of Poltava Polytechnic can participate in academic mobility and internship programs. Students can study abroad for a semester or a full academic year under the Erasmus+ credit mobility grant programs at leading universities in Austria, Greenland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.
For more detailed information on current programs for internships, teaching, and academic mobility abroad, please get in touch with the International Relations Office (Room 213-C, interoffice@nupp.edu.ua) or the Coordinator of International Activities of the National University "Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic" – Anna Pavelieva, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor of the Department of Germanic Philology and Translation (email: kunsite.zi@gmail.com, phone: +38-(095)-91-08-192).
Media Centre of
National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”
