On June 4, the Day of Remembrance for Children Who Died as a Result of Russia's Armed Aggression Against Ukraine, an important online event took place as part of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program “How Are You?” an important online event was held, initiated by the Donetsk Regional Library for Children as part of the Speaker_club socio-cultural project “Let's Talk About...” with the support of the Donetsk Regional State Administration.
The meeting on the topic “Fairy tales from the shelter: how to talk to children about war” brought together nearly 180 participants — library specialists, as well as employees of educational and cultural institutions from different parts of Donetsk region.
The guest of the event was Oksana Tribun, a psychologist with over 20 years of experience, author of psychological support projects for children and adults, writer, and author of the book “Fairy Tales in Shelter,” based on real conversations with children during full-scale war.
The meeting was warm, sincere, and deeply emotional. Together with Ms. Oksana, the participants sought answers to difficult questions:
- How to talk to children about fear and loss?
- How not to break a child's belief in safety, even when there is anxiety all around?
- Why is a fairy tale an effective tool for support?
- What role can libraries play as spaces of trust for children in times of crisis?
Participants received not only practical advice, but also inner confirmation: in times of war, the power of words, humanity, and care are also forms of resistance.