From October 20th to 22nd, the Horizont International project team carried out a four-day mission in Budapest, Hungary. The focus was to provide Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities for Ukrainian children attending a local Jewish school that currently hosts around 300 students displaced by the war.
This initiative is part of the ongoing Horizont International Project, implemented in cooperation with ZWST and funded by Aktion Deutschland Hilft. The project builds on previous experience and strengthens the multiplier approach: individuals with refugee backgrounds and others who have faced crisis situations share principles of self-help through their own initiatives, while also contributing to humanitarian support efforts. Through targeted training and empowerment, these groups become part of OlamAid’s work where assistance is most urgently needed. Our work in Budapest reflects the broader mission to strengthen community resilience by helping children develop emotional awareness, with tools to cope with trauma, and foster meaningful social connections.
During the mission, volunteers led an MHPSS workshop inspired by the children’s book “In the Land of Feelings.” The sessions involved children aged 6–12 in storytelling, art, and group exercises that helped them recognize and express emotions. Activities such as drawing feelings, collaborative storytelling, and role-play encouraged creativity, empathy, and self-reflection.
Nearly 150 children took part in the workshops. The atmosphere was joyful and supportive, with strong engagement and curiosity. Teachers and staff observed that the activities opened space for meaningful conversations, encouraged cooperation, and helped children express emotions that are often difficult to talk about.
“One of the most moving parts was seeing how quickly the children connected with the activities,” shared a teacher at the school. “Many of them have been through difficult times, and this workshop gave them a way to express what they feel through colors, stories, and laughter. It was inspiring to see them gain confidence and joy in a supportive environment.”
We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to our volunteers - Hanna, Liudmylla, and Nataliia - for their compassion, energy, and professionalism, and to Maya and Ira for coordinating the mission. Their commitment ensured that every child could take part and benefit from the experience.
The Budapest mission highlights the importance of psychosocial support for refugee children and demonstrates the positive impact of targeted, empathetic interventions. We look forward to continued collaboration with local partners and to expanding support for children across the region.
