In Zaporizhzhia, the third round of training for educators and psychologists in the Hibuki therapy method — an Israeli approach to providing psycho-emotional support to children living in conditions of war — has been completed. This year, 40 specialists — including teachers, psychologists, educators, and representatives of the civil society sector in Zaporizhzhia — have mastered practical tools for working with children’s emotions, and have received Hibuki therapeutic toys as well as certificates confirming their completion of the course.
The educational project “Hibuki Therapy” in Zaporizhzhia is being implemented by the non-governmental organisation “Zaporizhzhia.” Platform of Joint Actions" with the financial support of Metinvest Group and Zaporizhstal in cooperation with the Department of Education and Science of Zaporizhzhia City Council. Its primary objective is to equip specialists with modern and effective tools for providing psychological support to children living in the realities of war, and to help create a space of emotional safety and trust for them.
“The most important aspect of this programme is that it enables specialists to provide children with real and timely support. Hibuki therapy helps not only the child, but also their family to work through difficult emotional experiences, restoring a sense of safety and stability. We recognise how important it is today to support educators and psychologists who work daily with children’s anxiety and stress,” noted Dafna Sharon‑Maksimov, the author of the “Hibuki Therapy” project.
Over the course of a month, participants undertook nine online sessions led by the programme’s authors and practising specialists. After completing the training, each specialist received a Hibuki therapeutic toy—a specially designed dog that serves as a key instrument of the method—and will begin practical work with children from vulnerable groups.
“Hibuki therapy has already proven its effectiveness both in Ukraine and at the international level. Today, it stands as one of the most effective methods of psychological support for children experiencing the consequences of traumatic events. For frontline regions, such knowledge is of critical importance, as it provides specialists with a practical tool for their day-to-day work with children’s emotions and psychological well-being,” emphasised Valeriia Shynkariova, Regional Coordinator of the Israeli–Ukrainian “Hibuki Therapy” project.
Hibuki therapy has been implemented in Zaporizhzhia since 2024 with the support of Metinvest and Zaporizhstal. Over this period, the method has already demonstrated its effectiveness in the city’s educational institutions, while demand for training among educators and psychologists continues to grow. Since the launch of the project in Zaporizhzhia, a total of 115 specialists working with children in schools, kindergartens, and civil society organisations have already been trained.
Participants themselves highlight the practical value of the training and the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained immediately in their work with children.
“The training was structured in a highly professional yet accessible manner. Despite the online format, the sessions were conducted in a warm and trusting atmosphere, and all tools and approaches were explained as clearly and practically as possible. These are precisely the kinds of knowledge that specialists working with children need today,” shared Anzhela Klious, a practical psychologist at Zaporizhzhia Gymnasium No. 108.
Today, the need for specialists skilled in providing psychological support to children is felt with particular urgency in frontline cities.
“Hibuki therapy enables a child to express their emotions and experiences safely through interaction with the toy. Such an approach helps to reduce levels of anxiety and tension and supports the child in gradually restoring their inner balance,” noted Liudmyla Shevchenko, a psychologist at the charitable organisation "100% Life. Zaporizhzhia."
In 2026, the project is expanding beyond Zaporizhzhia, with the city’s experience being scaled up for implementation in Kryvyi Rih and Kamianske. Overall, a total of 120 teachers, educators, and psychologists are planned to be trained across the three cities this year.
The programme is implemented by Metinvest Group in partnership with local authorities and civil society organisations: in Zaporizhzhia, with the NGO “Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action” and the Department of Education and Science of Zaporizhzhia City Council; in Kryvyi Rih, with the NGO “Kryvyi Rih Foundation for the Future” and the Department of Education and Science of the Executive Committee of Kryvyi Rih City Council; and in Kamianske, with the Department of Education of Kamianske City Council.