Over the past three years, Friends of Waldorf Education have conducted 40 on-site seminars, including 11 in Poland, where many Ukrainians initially sought refuge. In Ukraine itself, they have conducted several five-day seminars across various locations, as well as four in-depth training courses on trauma pedagogy, each consisting of eight modules — one in Kraków, Poland, two near Lviv, and one in Odesa. Participants included teachers, psychologists, art therapists, and dedicated volunteers working with children, relatives of fallen soldiers, and war-disabled individuals.

Psychotraumatology — understanding trauma and how to support children, young people, and adults affected by it — is not yet as widely recognized in Ukraine as in other regions. The program aims to change that by providing essential knowledge and practical skills.

The trauma pedagogy training combines theoretical insights with hands-on methodologies and exercises. The structured approach alternates between educational content on psychotraumatology and experiential learning, including age-appropriate games, dialogue techniques, and trauma-informed teaching methods. Additionally, five of the eight seminar units featured contributions from art therapists, eurythmists, and selfcare techniques, enriching the program with diverse therapeutic approaches.

In the early days, we met participants who were deeply committed and firmly believed the war would soon be over. Many were convinced of Ukraine’s victory. Over time, however, exhaustion set in. The participants became more war-weary, their hope dwindling as they grieved the loss of family members and friends. Yet, amid this hardship, the training sessions became a safe space — a place to regain strength. Many described them as an opportunity to "recharge their batteries." In all our years of international work in emergency and trauma education, we have never witnessed participants absorb and apply the content so quickly in their daily work. Beyond the practical knowledge, strong social connections formed within the training groups, fostering mutual support and resilience. These meetings became a source of empowerment, helping participants not only cope but also uplift one another.

The impact of the program is evident in the heartfelt reflections from participants. One wrote: "This course has changed me. It has made me more sensitive, responsive, attentive, and respectful, while also strengthening my resilience in the face of work and life’s challenges. I am learning to see opportunities in my weaknesses, to view difficulties as challenges that can be overcome by adjusting my perspective or my actions. I am also learning to appreciate small steps and not underestimate their value."

For many in Ukraine, life has become increasingly difficult. Motivation and joy are fading, replaced by anxiety and depression. Yet, within these training sessions, the opposite has occurred. Participants have found renewed energy, hope, and a sense of purpose. This experience often leaves us wondering: who is truly learning from whom? Every encounter with these individuals is a profound gift — one that fills us with gratitude and humility.

This year, we will launch another training group, continue supporting past participants, and train a group of graduates as future trainers. Our goal is to eventually step back, making our presence unnecessary. However, the relationships we have built must be preserved in some way — though how, we do not yet know. Nor do we know how the war will unfold. But what we do know is this: there are people who, even in the midst of war, can cultivate inner peace. And they will continue to share that strength with others. To them, we extend our deepest gratitude and respect.

The training was made possible by the support of Aktion Deutschland hilft.

Minka und Martin Straube