Open Hearts for Ukraine

Open Hearts for Ukraine

Archived project of Fundacja Dla Dobra Dzieci

The project was carried out in Tarnów County from 16 May 2024 to 15 May 2025. Its aim was to support the social integration and psychosocial well-being of children and adult refugees from Ukraine. The activities combined emotional, educational and cultural support, enabling children to connect with the language, traditions and heritage of Ukraine.

The project was co-financed by the Polish-American Freedom Foundation through the We Support Ukraine programme, implemented by the Education for Democracy Foundation.

Who received support

• children of refugees from Ukraine aged 7–15;
• adult refugees from Ukraine, including parents of participating children;
• children in Polish foster care participating in compensatory activities;
• children with disabilities, whose participation required individual assessment of needs and adapted activities.

What we delivered

Social skills training for children and young people

We delivered 172 hours of sessions in two age groups: 7–9 and 10–13. Participants practised communication, empathy, cooperation, assertiveness, conflict resolution, self-control and coping with emotions. The sessions were led by a psychologist certified as a social-skills trainer.

Ukrainian traditions, culture and literature

We delivered 172 hours of weekly sessions in Ukrainian. Children explored Ukrainian literature, legends, music, dance, art, folklore, holidays, language, alphabet and traditional flavours. They also prepared short theatrical and musical pieces for their families. 25 children took part.

Cognitive skills development

We delivered 172 hours developing concentration, memory, creativity, logical thinking and problem-solving. The programme also included mindfulness, science experiments, teamwork, algorithmic thinking and the basics of programming. 12 children participated.

Relaxation and therapeutic training with psychological support

Adult refugees from Ukraine took part in 88 hours of sessions. They learned breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, visualisation, mindfulness and elements of meditation. 7 adults participated and received tools for coping with stress, tension and difficult emotions related to war and forced migration.

Compensatory and integration activities

We delivered 344 hours of activities for Polish children, including children with disabilities. Joint learning and play by Polish and Ukrainian children supported relationships, empathy, mutual respect and openness between cultures. 6 Polish children participated.

Project results

In total, the project directly reached 72 participants—children and adults from Ukraine and Polish children. Approximately 134 people benefited indirectly, including participants’ families, schools and institutions supporting refugees.

• children developed social and emotional competences;
• participants in cognitive activities improved concentration, memory and independent learning;
• children could safely nurture the Ukrainian language, culture and identity;
• adults learned practical ways to reduce tension and manage stress;
• joint Polish-Ukrainian activities strengthened integration and counteracted exclusion;
• childcare for adult participants’ children increased access to relaxation activities for whole families.

Funding information

The project was settled in accordance with its assumptions. The report recorded use of the full grant amount: PLN 59,998.40. Funding information and required logos were displayed on the Foundation’s website, promotional and graphic materials, project documentation and presentations connected with the project.

This page is archival and documents a completed project.