At present, Ukraine’s airspace remains closed, which means that both entering and leaving the country, as well as travel within Ukraine, can only take place by land. This results in long train journeys through the vast and quiet beauty of the Ukrainian landscape – from Lviv in the west, through Kyiv, to Kharkiv in the east, and south to Odesa. Again and again it is astonishing: despite the ongoing reality of war, the trains run punctually and reliably – almost like a quiet promise that life will go on.
During our visits, we were able to evaluate administrative and financial processes together with the partner organizations. More importantly, we had the opportunity to observe their emergency and trauma pedagogical work. This was moving, inspiring – and at times even joyful! Some of our colleagues we have been accompanying since 2022/2023, when they first began their training in emergency and trauma pedagogy with the Friends of Waldorf Education. In the second year (2024), supervisions followed, and now in the third year (2025), they are being trained as trainers themselves. To see how they have internalized and developed what they learned, and how they now bring it into the world in their own way, was profoundly moving.
This long-term accompaniment, both professionally and personally, is a rare gift. It not only allows us to grow ourselves, but also gives us a glimpse of what it means to continue under the constant strain and threat of daily life, and yet to endure, to hold, and to heal.
With every passing day of war, with every night spent in a shelter or hallway, one can sense how exhaustion, strain, and uncertainty leave their mark on body and soul. And still, our colleagues manage to be there – for children and fellow pedagogues. They are present, they perceive, they listen, they provide support and protection.
“I don’t know exactly what is happening here – but I heard the atmosphere is special.” With these words, a mother entered one of the centers for the first time with her two children, while we were visiting as well. She stayed, and her children spontaneously joined the program: they played, they laughed, they found peace. By the end of the morning, she enthusiastically registered them. This little story speaks volumes about the very essence of emergency and trauma pedagogical work. Its healing power lies in the attitude: in genuine presence, mindful encounters, in offering safety and care. Where children experience security and trust, healing can begin. And sometimes it all starts with a simple yet profound perception: “It feels good here; there is a special atmosphere.”
We are filled with deep gratitude – not least because we, and all those with whom we are connected in Ukraine, have so far been kept safe. At several of our partner organizations, there were impacts nearby either shortly before or shortly after our visits. That no one was harmed is something we do not take for granted; we are grateful for the protection on this shared path. This work is far from self-evident – but it is absolutely essential.
Jessica Prentice