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Project Summary
Location: Vyvodove village, Myrivska rural community, Nikopol District, Dnipropetrovsk Region, Ukraine
Beneficiaries: Students, teachers, and families of Vyvodove Gymnasium (approximately 250 families)
Implementing Partner: Rotary International (Global Grant Program)
Date: October 2024
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1. Community Overview
Vyvodove is a small rural settlement located about 20 miles from the active conflict zone in southeastern Ukraine. The ongoing war has deeply affected the social and psychological wellbeing of the population. The community has limited access to specialized health or psychological services; the school psychologist often serves as the only mental health consultant for the entire village.
Economic instability, the displacement of families, and the constant threat of violence have led to heightened anxiety, emotional fatigue, and trauma among children, parents, and educators. Learning continues under challenging conditions - including frequent online instruction and classes conducted in bomb shelters.
Despite these hardships, the Vyvodove Gymnasium remains a cornerstone of the community. Teachers are highly motivated to support students' resilience and recovery. However, they lack adequate resources and structured mental health interventions to address the psychological consequences of war.
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2. Identified Needs
Discussions and surveys with teachers, healthcare providers, and community leaders revealed that:
• 42% of schoolchildren show signs of mental or psychological distress.
• Teachers experience emotional burnout and overload due to prolonged stress.
• Families report rising levels of anxiety, loss, and social disconnect.
The community's primary request is for a systemic, sustainable mental health support program that builds emotional resilience, reduces stress, and fosters peacebuilding skills among children and adults.
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3. Project Goals and Objectives
The project aims to establish a Peace and Mental Health Resource Center within Vyvodove Gymnasium to:
1. Create a safe, restorative space equipped for art therapy, music therapy, and relaxation.
2. Provide psychological support and training for teachers, students, and families.
3. Deliver specialized courses on trauma-informed care and risk and protection factors.
4. Promote peacebuilding, empathy, and community resilience through interactive learning and creative expression.
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4. Key Activities
• Facility Preparation: Renovate and equip a dedicated mental health room with ergonomic furniture, adjustable lighting, soft textures, and interactive tools.
• Training & Workshops:
o Trauma-informed care for teachers and staff
o Resilience and stress management sessions
o Individual and group sessions with a certified psychologist
• Art & Music Therapy:
o Drawing, modeling, embroidery, collage creation
o Music and sound-based relaxation
• Interactive Learning:
o Board games, touch panels, and sensory tables for cooperative play and communication skills
• Community Outreach:
o Parent workshops and family events to build understanding and reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
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5. Resources and Equipment
The center will be equipped with:
• Furniture: Frameless chairs, beanbags, poufs, and ergonomic seating.
• Lighting & Visuals: Adjustable LED lamps, wall-mounted lights, projectors, and relaxing visuals.
• Music System: Wireless speakers for calming sounds and guided relaxation.
• Air Quality & Comfort: Humidifier, air purifier, and bactericidal recirculator for a healthy indoor environment.
• Therapy Materials: Soft toys, tactile puzzles, kinetic sand tables, and art supplies.
• Training and Services: Certified psychologist and peacebuilding trainers.
The total project budget is approximately USD 30,000.
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6. Expected Outcomes
• Improved mental health and emotional regulation among students.
• Reduced teacher burnout and increased professional wellbeing.
• Strengthened community relationships and collective resilience.
• A model for peace education and psychosocial support in conflict-affected rural areas.
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7. Sustainability
After Rotary's involvement ends, the Vyvodove Gymnasium will continue to operate the Peace and Mental Health Room as a community resource. Teachers trained through the program will act as peer mentors for future staff. The facility will also host family workshops and after-school programs supported by local authorities and parent associations.
Long-term sustainability will be ensured through ongoing partnerships with regional educational and psychological centers, integrating mental health and peacebuilding practices into the school's curriculum.
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8. Broader Impact
By investing in the mental health of children and educators, the project contributes directly to community stability, peacebuilding, and recovery. Vyvodove Gymnasium will serve as a model for other rural schools in Ukraine seeking to rebuild not only physical infrastructure but also hope, trust, and emotional wellbeing in the aftermath of war.
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