ITF's Mental Health Initiative in Izmail, Ukraine
Together with our partners Slovene Philanthropy (SP) the team's objective was to assess and strengthen mental health and psychosocial support initiatives and to hold training of trainers and teachers in the region.
Upon arrival, the team engaged in a series of intensive sessions with local partners, including coordinators from partner organization Zhiva-Ya . Together, they planned upcoming training sessions of trainers and teachers, as well as the visit of the Ambassador of Slovenia to the Ukraine, H.E. Mateja Prevolsek.
The subsequent two days of a Training of Trainers (TtT) program were attended by 16 teachers and psychologists. Despite challenges such as frequent alarms and logistical constraints, the trainers reported significant progress in implementing the program within their respective schools. Positive outcomes included improved well-being among teachers, enhanced psychosocial atmospheres, and heightened awareness of children's rights and needs. Building upon the momentum of the ToT, the team conducted a comprehensive Training of Teachers session over two days, attended by 89 educators and school workers. Teachers highlighted the value of the program in introducing new training methods delivering necessary content. Both training courses were conducted with online lectures and in-person sessions. Participants had insightful discussions on the progress and challenges faced by trainers and teachers between the two modules.
The trainings were supported by local authorities and stakeholders including media. The team had the privilege of engaging with the Mayor of Izmail.
Looking ahead, the team is committed to further developing training materials, organizing mentorship programs, and securing additional financing to meet the region's high demand for similar initiatives. The next training is planned for the beginning of May 2024.
Special acknowledgments are extended to our project partners, Slovene Philanthropy and NGO Zhiva-Ya, whose commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in the success of our initiatives. The Project is implemented with financial support from the U.S. Department of State Office of the Assistance Coordinator for Europe and Eurasia and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Republic of Slovenia under the 10th Round of the Development Cooperation Partnership (DCP) Program.
