Training in Hibuki Therapy, a psychological support programme for children, is continuing in Kryvyi Rih. The project is being implemented with the support of Metinvest Group, the city's Department of Education and Science, and is coordinated by the NGO "Kryvyi Rih Foundation for the Future." Participants in the first training course have now received their main therapeutic tool – the Hibuki dog – and are beginning their work with children.
Trauma and post-traumatic stress in children are among the many devastating consequences of war. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has been actively adopting Israel's experience in providing psychological support for children, including through Hibuki Therapy. In 2023, Metinvest joined the effort to expand the programme, initially supporting children in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, and later in Zaporizhzhia. This year, thanks to the support of business and local authorities, the comforting hugs of the Hibuki dog will also bring reassurance to children in Kryvyi Rih and Kamianske.
Over the past few weeks, 40 specialists from Kryvyi Rih – including representatives of general secondary and pre-school educational institutions, specialists from Resilience Centres, and psychologists from the Veteran Service Office – have completed training in this new child support programme designed for children who have experienced traumatic events. The participants of the first training course worked directly with Dr Dafna SHARON-MAXIMOV, the creator of the Hibuki Therapy method, Head of the international Hibuki Therapy project, and an internationally recognised expert in trauma and post-trauma care for children and adolescents. Speaking at the ceremony where the therapy dogs were presented, she addressed the new members of the Hibuki community:
"I am incredibly pleased with the results of this training. They demonstrate not only strong knowledge, but also responsibility, compassion and motivation. From this moment, you begin your professional journey in Hibuki Therapy to support children and their parents. I would like to thank the organisers and partners of the programme for making it possible for you to gain unique expertise in mental health that is recognised by the United Nations and the academic community. This knowledge now belongs to you. Together, we are one large family working to improve children's lives."
The effectiveness of Hibuki Therapy has been confirmed by numerous studies, including research conducted at Harvard University and Tel Aviv University. In Ukraine, 19 academic papers on the method have already been published in Scopus-indexed and other respected scientific journals, noted Valeriia SHYNKAROVA, Coordinator of the Israeli-Ukrainian Hibuki Therapy project. She also shared practical advice with participants on attracting additional support to help expand the programme.
The participants have now taken their new "hugging helpers" home with them and will begin using them in practice to help children overcome fear and anxiety. According to Halyna SYSHCHUK, Chief Executive of the Hibuki Therapy project in Ukraine, much important work still lies ahead. However, she is confident of excellent results thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm shown by the participants from Kryvyi Rih from the very beginning of the training.
"I think Hibuki will become a favourite companion for the children in my care. As a teacher, I know how difficult it can be for children to trust adults straight away. It takes time before they open up and begin sharing their deepest feelings. I hope the hugging dog will help make that happen. I cannot wait to put everything I have learned into practice and see the results for myself. I would like to thank the organisers and our trainers for such an inspiring experience," said Alla FEDOTOVA, a teacher at Kryvyi Rih Pre-school No. 187.
Each participant will now conduct eight therapy sessions with a group of six to eight children. Before the sessions begin, meetings will be held with parents to introduce them to the methodology. After successfully completing the practical stage, the new Hibuki practitioners will receive internationally recognised certificates.
"Kryvyi Rih is becoming part of an international partnership, opening up new opportunities to support children. We are grateful to Metinvest and the city authorities for supporting this unique project. We sincerely believe that our teachers, psychologists and the wonderful Hibuki dogs will help restore calm and smiles to children's faces, surround their little hearts with care and love, and ease their anxiety through warm hugs. Coordinating projects like this is both a privilege and a labour of love for our organisation," said Olena LESHCHENKO, Director of the NGO "Kryvyi Rih Foundation for the Future."
