Interactive Workshop: 'Vacation in a Backpack'
During an air raid alert, fourth-grade students at Kyiv Lyceum No. 179 took part in an interactive session titled 'Vacation in a Backpack,' organized as part of the 'Lessons of Care' project by the NGO 'Academy of Care.' The workshop focused on teaching children essential skills such as managing their time effectively, balancing tasks with rest, and taking care of their emotional well-being in the challenging environment of war.
This session was held in class 4-A under the guidance of Maria Pavlichuk, director of the NGO 'Juniors' and an ambassador for the initiative. Due to the air raid warning, part of the lesson took place in the school shelter, highlighting the critical need for psychological support for children in current circumstances. The 'Lessons of Care' project is implemented in partnership with Daria Herasymchuk, the Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights in Ukraine, and is supported by the German government's GIZ agency.
Project Resources and Their Reach
Now in its second season, the project’s materials are being used beyond schools—in libraries, children’s centers, clubs, and community spaces. Designed for children aged 5 to 10, these resources are freely accessible. In the first season, 'Lessons of Care' engaged 1,318 educators across 1,082 educational institutions, reaching around 30,000 children across 25 regions of Ukraine. Notably, 79% of teachers rated the project’s homework as an excellent tool for fostering communication between children and their families.
During the session, students participated in various exercises, including the breathing technique 'Relaxation Balloon,' a movement activity called 'Popakrutyn,' and created personalized daily schedules named 'Magic Timekeeper.' Angelika Masnyk, the class teacher of 4-A, commented:
"The format was modern and interactive. The children were able to relax while simultaneously learning an important skill—planning their week ahead. This is something I definitely plan to continue using." Angelika Masnyk
Students also shared their thoughts. Arsen from 4-A said, "I learned how important it is to balance work and rest—work a little, then give yourself time to recharge." Another student, Nastya, added, "My favorite part was the clock exercise where you decide when to work and when to relax. I wish every school lesson could be like this."
Lyceum director Iryna Boyko emphasized the importance of such lessons: "During the war, everything moves so fast and there’s so much to do that we often don’t have time to recover. It’s crucial for children to have moments for restoration. These lessons focus on mental health, building confidence, and inner strength." She further noted, "These are children of war; their minds absorb everything. Today, we’re not just talking about stress resistance but resilience—the ability to bounce back after hardships."
Anastasiya Svoboda, founder of the NGO 'Academy of Care' and a psychologist, stressed the value of these efforts: "The more environments equipped with psychological support tools, the safer children feel. 'Lessons of Care' provide practical self-help skills that children can apply daily and within their families."
The 'Vacation in a Backpack' workshop offered children not only new skills but also a vital form of emotional support during wartime. This reflects a growing recognition in Ukraine of the urgent need for mental health resources for young people, especially amid ongoing conflict. Initiatives like this empower children to manage stress and cultivate resilience, while the broad involvement of educators and institutions highlights the project’s significance within the Ukrainian education system.
In addition to initiatives like the 'Lessons of Care' project, community efforts are increasingly focusing on equipping children with essential life skills. For instance, the recent launch of a coloring book aims to help children learn how to interact with veterans, fostering empathy and understanding in a time of conflict. Explore how this creative resource is designed to engage young minds and promote meaningful connections in our detailed coverage about the coloring book initiative.