In July 2022, the Rehabilitation Program for the Children of Fallen Heroes was launched by Olga Prodan, the founder of UCAG, who has a professional background as a psycho-social rehabilitator prior to the war in Ukraine. The rehabilitation program was created with the immediate goals of providing psychological stabilization and physical recovery for children who have lost parents fighting in the Ukrainian-Russian war. The program is held in a unique nature reserve in the Carpathian Mountains, where the spacious forests, clean mountain rivers, and fresh air play a special role in rehabilitating children and fostering their well-being. The Carpathian Mountains and hiking are of particular importance in the course of rehabilitation.

During the two-week program, the children participate in hikes with changing weather patterns, learn to conquer various peaks, overcome obstacles, and feel the power of nature through their own experiences, waiting to be filled with the greatness of the Carpathians and discover new friends along the way. A friendly atmosphere plays a significant role in rehabilitation and directly affects children's mental health. Children who have lost their father or mother in the war are particularly vulnerable, and thus the atmosphere of the retreats is rooted in equality, care, safety, and friendship, characterized by exceptional support from professional counselors on hand.

To be able to communicate within a safe space openly is critical, especially between children who have experienced the same grief through the loss of their caregivers. This fosters a healing atmosphere that takes place through the principle of peer-to-peer support under the supervision of educators and psychologists. Learn more about the program here.