The international psychological support project for children, Hibuki Therapy, continues to be implemented in Zaporizhia. The initiative is led by Zaporizhia. Joint Action Platform CSO with financial support from Metinvest Group and Zaporizhstal, in cooperation with Zaporizhia City Council’s Department of Education and Science.
This year, 30 psychologists, educators and nursery teachers from Zaporizhia schools and preschools, along with 10 psychologists from the public sector, will take part in the programme. Participants were selected through a competitive process. Over a month, they will attend eight free training sessions led by top international experts, including the method’s creator and head of the global Hibuki Therapy project, Dafna Sharon-Maksimov.
“Bringing Hibuki Therapy to Ukraine is a crucial step in supporting those who need it most, especially children affected by the trauma of war. I want to express my deep appreciation to the organisers and partners who make it possible to spread this important practice. I truly admire the professionalism, resilience, and dedication of psychologists and educators and appreciate their commitment to professional growth, experience-sharing, and contributing to a better future for our children. Together, through Hibuki Therapy, we can help children find their path to mental recovery, regain a sense of security, and restore trust in life,” said Dafna Sharon-Maksimov.
On 27 February 2025, Zaporizhia. Joint Action Platform CSO hosted an introductory meeting for participants and lecturers of the project. Experts outlined the stages of the training programme and upcoming joint initiatives aimed at improving children’s mental well-being through Hibuki Therapy. Upon completion, teachers and psychologists will receive certificates and a therapeutic toy dog, the key tool used in the therapy.
“At Metinvest, we recognise the importance of fostering a supportive environment for building mental resilience in children. Today’s fast-paced world, filled with various stresses and challenges, directly affects their emotional well-being. To help children develop coping skills and inner strength, we support projects that introduce Hibuki Therapy, particularly through training educators and teachers who work with children in schools and community centres,” said Maksym Ped, HR Director at Zaporizhstal.
Hibuki Therapy is an Israeli method that helps improve a child’s emotional and psychological well-being through the use of a therapeutic toy. In 2024, with the support of Metinvest Group and Zaporizhstal, 35 educators and child psychologists in Zaporizhia were trained to apply this method in educational settings.
To date, schools and children’s groups in Zaporizhia are actively incorporating Hibuki Therapy through both one-on-one psychological sessions and group lessons. In 2024, 25 children from internally displaced families, veterans, and military households attended group Hibuki Therapy sessions for free.