Armenian Children Affected by Conflict Take Part in Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programme in Slovenia
From 27 September to 5 October, 16 children from Armenia and three accompanying adults took part in a psychosocial rehabilitation programme at the Slovenian Red Cross Health and Youth Resort Debeli Rtič (RKS Debeli Rtič). The programme is implemented by RKS Debeli Rtič with the support of the Republic of Slovenia through ITF.
The children taking part have been affected by the consequences of armed conflict. Some have lost or have family members who remain missing, while others have experienced circumstances that can continue to influence their sense of safety and psychological well-being. The programme provides a supportive environment where they can receive professional psychosocial assistance while spending time with their peers, discovering new surroundings and taking part in activities that encourage confidence, connection and well-being.
A Programme Built Around Therapy and Everyday Experiences
During their stay, the children participated in therapeutic and creative workshops alongside a range of recreational and educational activities. They explored the surroundings of Debeli Rtič and the Slovenian coast, took swimming lessons, tried kayaking and archery, and joined sports and other group activities.
The programme also included a boat trip to Piran and a visit to Aquarium Piran. The children met their Slovenian peers at a local primary school, where they spent time together, played and created together.
These activities complement the therapeutic part of the programme, giving children opportunities to socialize, try new things and build positive experiences together. Time away from their usual surroundings also gives them space to relax, explore and enjoy activities that are simply part of being a child.
Discovering Slovenia and Meeting New People
The programme also gave the children opportunities to discover more of Slovenia and meet people connected to their home country.
At the invitation of Dr. Aleš Musar, the children visited Ljubljana Zoo, where they spent time exploring the zoo and enjoying the visit together.
They also met H.E. Ashot Hovakimian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Slovenia. The children later attended a reception hosted by the Ambassador to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Armenia's independence.
These moments became part of a wider experience of discovering Slovenia, meeting new people and creating memories alongside the therapeutic and educational elements of the programme.
Supporting Children Affected by Conflict
For children affected by armed conflict, psychosocial support can be an important part of recovery. Experiences connected to conflict can influence their psychological well-being, sense of safety and development, making it important to provide spaces where they can receive support and feel secure.
The programme at Debeli Rtič combines professional support with activities, social interaction and time in a safe and welcoming environment. Together, these elements give children space to process difficult experiences while also enjoying new experiences, building friendships and developing confidence.
The current group is part of a broader 2025–2026 programme through which 32 children and six accompanying adults from Armenia are taking part in psychosocial rehabilitation at Debeli Rtič.
The programme is supported by the Republic of Slovenia through ITF Enhancing Human Security and forms part of Slovenia's international development cooperation and assistance. Through this support, children affected by conflict can access psychosocial rehabilitation and an environment that gives them space to recover, connect with others and simply be children.