In the context of the tumultuous refugee crisis in Ukraine, last year the AMURTEL team coordinated a project with a determined goal: to face the complex challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees who are in the process of integration in Romania for over two years, with an emphasis on mental health and psychosocial support.
Immediately after the start of the war and after the refugees began to cross the border, the AMURTEL TEAM started a large-scale project that included 3 phases, the last stage took place between August 1, 2023 and January 31, 2024.
This initiative included individual and group counseling, educational workshops, therapeutic storytelling sessions, and community events that fostered greater understanding and friendship between Romanians and Ukrainians, all meticulously tailored to the needs of the refugee community.
The project facilitated individual and group sessions led by experienced psychologists and mental health professionals, providing a safe environment for emotional expression and building resilience. Recognizing the essential roles of educators and parents, through specialized training sessions they received the necessary tools to psychologically support refugee children.
Group psychological sessions and training focused on topics such as:
“How to live effectively under stress”, “Positive parent training. Sleep disorders in children”, “How to deal with children’s negative emotions and stay calm?”, “Stages of child’s psychosexual development”, “Impostor syndrome” , “Gadget Addiction”, “Non-Violent Communication”, “Personal Boundaries”, “Emotional Intelligence” and many more.
These sessions and trainings had a significant impact by giving them the necessary tools and knowledge to face the challenges and to build a stable and balanced life in Romania.
The workshops integrated yoga tools and exercises, providing not only physical release but also promoting emotional regulation. Regular yoga classes have become community spaces for connection and solace, promoting both physical and mental health.
One of the 61-year-old course participants left us this feedback:
“I express deep gratitude for this project. The yoga classes have been instrumental in bringing balance to our minds and strengthening our bodies. Personally, I have discovered profound meaning in my life through this transformative experience.”
Deeply exploring the art of therapeutic stories as a means of strengthening resilience, in two sessions, we explored the profound impact of narrative healing. Within our project, over 60 beneficiaries participated in online training sessions. Through the intertwining of personal experiences the participants found comfort and strength, embarking on the path of self-discovery. They thus received both validation and a sense of triumph.
A total of 1210 books, printed in several languages, including Ukrainian, Romanian, Russian and English, reached schools and centers throughout Romania. The impact of our efforts has reverberated globally through the ability to download stories from our website.
Social cohesion was promoted through community events: Carol Exchange, Therapeutic Theater Shows, and Community Picnics promoting unity and cultural exchange. Meanwhile, the distribution of therapeutic resources, including stories created by the refugees themselves, provided methods for expression and healing.
These community meetings not only provided moments of joy and cultural exchange, but also served as a vital platform for building connections and mutual understanding between people facing the challenges of exclusion and uncertainty. The impact of these events was further amplified as they attracted media attention, highlighting the wider scale and positive influence they had in the community.
Although the project has ended, its impact is still profound: participants say they have a stronger community now. However, the journey continues and efforts are needed to ensure the long-term well-being and integration of this community.
In hindsight, this project is a testament to the power of support and resilience. By prioritizing mental health, promoting social cohesion and capitalizing on the therapeutic potential of stories, we hope that we have provided a key to a more peaceful future for Ukrainian refugees in Romania.
