Metinvest Expands Hibuki Therapy Program to Kryvyi Rih and Kamianske

Metinvest Broadens Its Hibuki Therapy Initiative

According to Главком: Metinvest Group is expanding its program to train educators and psychologists in Hibuki therapy, a method designed to help children suffering from war-related psychological trauma. The cities of Kryvyi Rih and Kamianske will join the project in 2026. Hibuki therapy is a form of psychological support where children interact with a soft toy dog. The name derives from the Hebrew word 'hibuk,' meaning 'hug.' This method was developed in Israel and adapted for Ukraine by psychotherapist Daphne Sharon-Maximov in collaboration with Ukrainian specialists following the full-scale invasion.

This therapeutic approach is used for children aged 4 to 17 who exhibit symptoms of stress, such as anxiety, fear, sleep disturbances, withdrawal, or aggression. According to program data, after a course of 6-10 sessions, 95% of children see their trauma symptoms disappear. In 2023, Metinvest funded the production of 120 Hibuki toys for children in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. During 2024-2025, training was provided for 75 specialists in Zaporizhzhia, with over 225 children from military families, veterans, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable groups completing the therapy course.

Scaling the Program and Veteran Rehabilitation

Plans for 2024 include scaling the program by training an additional 120 teachers, educators, and psychologists across three cities. Training in Zaporizhzhia will start in April, in Kryvyi Rih in May, and in Kamianske in October. The course consists of nine online sessions, each lasting 2-2.5 hours, held twice a week over one month. Participants are selected based on motivational essays. Upon completion, specialists receive certificates and a Hibuki toy for their future work.

The program is funded by Metinvest in partnership with the Israeli project authors, local authorities, and civic organizations. In Zaporizhzhia, implementation involves the civic organization 'Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Actions' and the city council's education department. In Kryvyi Rih, the partner is the NGO 'Kryvyi Rih Future Foundation,' and in Kamianske, it is the city's education department.

Beyond the Hibuki therapy program, Metinvest also runs the 'Free Waves' veteran rehabilitation project through swimming, in which over 400 veterans and military personnel have already participated. They train for free in pools in Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, and Kamianske using a special methodology developed by Olympic swimming champion Denys Sylantyev. The basic 'Free Waves' course includes 16 sessions.

The expansion of Metinvest's Hibuki therapy program represents a significant step in supporting the mental health of children affected by war and underscores the role of corporate social responsibility. The inclusion of new cities highlights the growing need for such initiatives in Ukraine, where many children require psychological rehabilitation. This program also demonstrates the effectiveness of innovative therapeutic methods adapted to the Ukrainian context, potentially serving as a model for other nations experiencing similar crises. The ongoing war has created a profound need for scalable, evidence-based mental health support for Ukraine's youngest citizens.

As Metinvest continues to enhance its social initiatives, the success of their veteran rehabilitation efforts, particularly through innovative programs like swimming, highlights the company's commitment to supporting various vulnerable groups. To learn more about how Metinvest is addressing the needs of veterans and the impact of their rehabilitation programs, visit this detailed report on their swimming initiative.