Music Therapy for Children: Resilience Through Art and Music
2024 marks the birth of the “Music Therapy for Children: Resilience Through Art and Music” project, which brought together the efforts of numerous organizations, artists, and caring individuals. Its goal is to help children and their families overcome stress and restore emotional stability through art and music. This initiative, launched under the patronage of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO, has become a true example of the power of creativity in challenging times.
At these events the hall was filled with the sounds of instruments blending with children’s laughter and sincere emotions. The young participants created musical compositions, painted on large canvases, and learned to find harmony in the creative process.
The project was made possible with the support of the Mission Ukraine Charity Foundation, the International Community of Women “Lagertha” at the early stages, and many other partners. A significant contribution to the development of the initiative was made by “RTQ” (Refuse to Quit) from the USA, who assisted with fundraising, as well as the Antoshka store, which provided materials for the sessions free of charge. Kyiv Classic Orchestra, under the leadership of Herman Makarenko, a UNESCO Artist for Peace, actively participated as well. Professional psychologists joined the project to work with children and their families, creating an atmosphere of trust and support.
One of the project’s key ideas was the use of integrative therapeutic methods. For example, during music therapy sessions, children learned to express their emotions through sounds and rhythm. Art therapy helped the participants release fears and anxieties through drawing and modeling, while body-oriented therapy fostered the development of self-regulation skills. Special attention was given to the wives of military personnel, who took part in psychoeducational sessions such as “Relationships at a Distance.”
One of the participants shared: “I painted the sun, which embraces our family. This is because I want us to always be together.” Her words became a symbol of the project, as the main goal was to help children and adults find a sense of security and unity, so needed in these times.
As a result, in addition to creating emotional stability, participants learned effective stress management techniques and gained tools for overcoming crises. For children, these were creative activities that helped them unlock their potential and cope with their fears. For adults, it was knowledge and skills that they could apply to support their families.
The project became a vivid example of how art and music can heal and unite. We are already planning the next session, the funds for which were raised by Oksana Kosarenko, who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for this cause. Her efforts inspire, as does every step of this project aimed at supporting our future — children and their families.
You can view videos of the speeches by the Head of Mission Ukraine Natalia Lukyanova and Herman Makarenko on our social media.
To learn more about the cards prepared for children, please follow this link.