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Pictured is Dr. Jacki Hart at Sunflower Camp for Ukrainian Refugee Children in Warsaw, Poland, with camp staff, displaced mothers, and campers.En route home from Ukraine, following time spent with colleagues from First Medical Union Lviv, Unbroken, Christian Medical Association, Catholic University of Ukraine, and the Regional Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Hart had the opportunity to visit Sunflower Camp for Ukrainian Refugee Children in Warsaw, Poland. Thanks to the camp Co-Founders and dear partners from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ellen and Gary Wasserson, Jacki was introduced via WhatsApp to the Camp Co-Directors, Anna K from Ukraine and Jagna from Poland.
Once there, Dr. Hart spent two jam-packed days with 30 children between the ages of 6 and 16 years old, Anna K, Jagna, and their whole team. Staffed by Ukrainian teachers and a Ukrainian psychologist who is trained in Trauma Informed Care and conducts individual sessions with each child; the kids learn martial arts, dance, art therapy, and enjoy many field trips throughout the city. A Montessori school provides the space along with breakfast, lunch, and snack. The intentional programming, setting, and tone set by the (mostly) Ukrainian practitioners create warmth and welcoming and develop strength. For the broad range of children, the objectives to foster joy and cultivate resilience resound. During her few days at Sunflower, Jacki spent group and individual time with the children as well as one-on-one time with mothers, several of whom shared harrowing stories of fleeing occupied territory.
The resolve to remain connected to their heritage – both the children and their moms – was inspiring. The Ukrainian families, living far from home as refugees in Poland, have an essential responsibility: keep their Ukrainian culture alive for themselves and for future generations. The pride in doing just that, despite the challenges as “outsiders” in Warsaw, was palpable. “An uplifting way to conclude [her] trip,” Dr. Hart relays, “with many lessons learned.”
To learn more about Dr Hart and Heal Ukraine Group, visit www.HealUkraineGroup.org
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