700+ children participated in psychosocial recovery and inclusive leisure programs, supported by the Olena Zelenska Foundation

The Olena Zelenska Foundation summarized the outcomes of the psychosocial recovery and inclusive leisure summer programs for children and adolescents. In total, 12 shifts in summer 2026 brought together more than 700 participants from frontline territories, including military and internally displaced families, as well as disabled children and those who were particularly vulnerable due to the war.

The Foundation expanded its support for partner programs this summer. Together with the Voices of Children Charitable Foundation, it doubled the number of Voices Camp shifts in the Carpathians compared with last summer. Across eight shifts, 448 children rested in a safe environment, went on mountain hikes, worked with psychologists daily, and participated in art therapy. Foundation founder Olena Zelenska attended one of the shifts.

“The prolonged stress of war seriously affects children. Our goal is to create a safe environment where they can relax, recover their strength, communicate with their peers, and receive professional support,” Olena Zelenska, founder of the Foundation, said.

An inclusive Space Camp was held in the regions for the first time in nine years. The program is organized by the See With Your Heart NGO with financial support from the Olena Zelenska Foundation. This summer, the camp was also held in Kolomyia and Kremenchuk, in addition to Kyiv. The program was in higher demand than expected, and three shifts brought together more than 170 children. They included children with complex developmental disabilities, their siblings, children receiving palliative care, and children who lost their parents due to the war.

The Strokatienoty (Colorful Raccoons) active development camp became another support area. Over ten days, 100 adolescents from military families recovered in the Carpathians and completed training and team tests. Mentors helped them cope with anxiety, develop team interaction skills, and find reliable adult support.

“We recognize the importance of scaling effective psychosocial recovery and inclusion practices. This summer, we not only increased the number of program places but also expanded their formats and geographic reach. It is essential to us that as many children living with the aftermath of war as possible have access to a safe environment, professional support, and quality leisure time,” Viktoriia Romanova, Director of the Olena Zelenska Foundation, noted.

Summer programs focused on psychosocial recovery and inclusive leisure were implemented with support from international partners—The Howard G. Buffett Foundation through the Youth Spaces 12-21 initiative, Svenska Postkodlotteriet Stiftelse, and the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV).