Educational and psychosocial support for children and their families affected by war.
MY ROOM
Educational and psychosocial support for children and their families affected by war.
Within the framework of the project, interactive educational centers are equipped for families with children who find themselves in difficult life circumstances, have suffered educational losses or have special educational needs.
Teachers, speech therapists, psychologists, leaders of creative, correctional, developmental events are involved in working with visitors to the centers.
Зараз діють три центри у Харкові. У центрі міста і на Салтівці – для всіх бажаючих, та філія на базі ПЗ «Харківський єврейський ліцей „Шаалавім“» для учнів ліцею. У 2022–2023 роках працював центр у Хмельницькому за підтримки БФ «Хесед Бешт».
Which services is in the center?
Services are represented by two programs — general and in-depth.
Before starting training in a particular program, participants undergo testing to determine the level of knowledge and skills. Based on the results, we select classes that best meet each child's needs.
School readiness for children ages 5 and up.
Ukrainian language and math classes.
Preparation for the NMT (National Multisubject Test).
Speech therapy sessions and neuromotor development.
Individual and group speech therapy classes.
Counseling and support for parents provided by the center’s specialists.
The program includes:
School preparation programs, NMT.
Individual and group classes on the main school subjects.
Group English lessons for children.
English Speaking Club for Teens.
Individual and group speech therapy classes.
Individual and group consultations of a psychologist.
Upon completion of participation in the project, we observe an increase in the level of participants in the following areas:
74%
Cognitive skills
84%
Ukrainian language
84%
maths
52%
psychological well-being
56%
social development
REVIEWS
Julia Fedorovskaya, mother of 6-year-old Ilya
Before the start of classes in the center “My room”, my son and I experienced many difficulties. He has a disability from an early age, could not speak, and recovery was not easy. When the explosions and sirens started, his condition deteriorated again. He became closed, nervous, and our efforts, which had yielded results before the war, disappeared. It was very difficult financially, psychologically, and even physically.
When we first arrived at the center, I did not believe that anyone could help. But our problems were treated with understanding and warmth. Ilya began to work with a speech therapist, and this gave a result: he already speaks simple words. He also began to attend classes with a psychologist and gradually go to group classes. At first, Ilya was afraid of a large number of children, but after a few weeks I noticed changes. My boy just runs to class, he really likes it.
It is easier for me now because I see that our efforts in this project are producing results. Most of all I want to thank the teachers, they give all of themselves. It's great that there is such a project that helps children for free!
Anna, mother of 6-year-old Damir
When we first came here, I was very worried about how my son would handle his studies. First of all, I arrived with a child who barely spoke.
It was very difficult for him to communicate, and he was also afraid to be left alone with the teachers. Secondly, it was very hard for him to sit still and do the exercises. And so we came here, to the center. And I have never, not for a second, not for a minute, regretted that we did it.
This support was indispensable – in just one year, we got ready for school. Your center deserves a lot of credit for this; it does so much for children with special needs. I see how every teacher approaches their work with all their heart, looking for ways to engage and explain. Everyone works together in harmony for development, and it produces results.
Olesia, mother of 14-year-old Diana
Last year, Diana was struggling with both algebra and geometry. She wanted to improve, but how could she do that online? One teacher for 20 students just isn't enough.
That’s why, as soon as she heard about this center, she went straight there to sign up. She’s always been that way—confident, with a mind of her own. Teachers are often wary of students like that. It’s a good thing she found understanding at "My Room," not just lessons. Without attentive, kind support, it’s impossible to truly impart knowledge.
I feel much better now, seeing that our efforts in this project are paying off. Most of all, I want to thank the teachers; they give their all. It’s wonderful that there is a project like this that provides free help to children!
Natalia Kakharishena, mother of 10-year-old Irina
Our family is from Bakhmut. During the evacuation, Ira and I came under fire at the station in Kramatorsk, there were wounded. After treatment and long journeys, we stayed in Khmelnytskyi. Ira was very worried and frightened by every alarm. It was difficult for her to communicate and even to be among the children.
Since the summer of 2022, I learned about the center “My Room”. Since then, Ira and I have been attending classes all the time, and in just a few months I have seen significant changes in her behavior and learning. At first, a psychologist worked with her, and thanks to these individual activities, she gradually got rid of anxiety.
After that, Ira began to return to study. We were especially helped by lessons in mathematics and English. At first it was difficult for her to concentrate, but teachers helped overcome these difficulties. Ira became calmer, more collected.
Thanks to the center, my daughter adapted to a new city, school. She is calm here, she has a lot of friends. I see that she communicates and learns as a child of her age should. Thank you to the organizers of this project for a comfortable space for development.
Marina Vlasenko, mother of 8-year-old Sofia
Thanks to the project “My Room” our life has changed. My daughter Sofia passed the test and got into an in-depth education program. Now she is engaged in mathematics and Ukrainian, and she also works with a psychologist, and I see how these classes help her. In half a year she has become more confident, studying again brings her joy, and she loves to communicate with peers and teachers.
After two years of distance education, “My room” has become for us a small substitute for school — here we find support and peace, rejoice in success. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who created and supports this center, because without it my child would be much more difficult.
Vsevolod Moiseev, 17
When I found out about the project “My Room”, I had no special expectations. After two years of distance learning, it seemed that it would be difficult to get me interested in studying. But classes in groups, live communication with peers and joint preparation for exams changed my view. After a few months of participation, I realized that I could successfully study subjects, even mathematics, which I had not really liked before. And most importantly, I began to believe in myself.
The course “BeProfi” helped me understand what profession I want to get. I have also found friends and mentors here who support me along the way. Although sometimes it can be difficult due to the situation in the city and the stress of preparing for exams, I am grateful to the center team for giving me the strength and inspiration to move forward. Now I plan to enter an educational institution where I can realize my ambitions.
Elena Potamoshneva, speech therapist in the center
As a practicing speech therapist with many years of experience, I can say that the center “My Room” has become an important part of helping children with special educational needs. This is the place where they receive not only qualified speech therapy support, but also the communication necessary for the speech development. After the start of the war, many children lost access to permanent training with specialists, because the online format is not always effective for them. Therefore, offline classes are extremely important here.
Every little success in a child's speech is a big achievement for us. Regardless of the difficulties that arise in the job, feeling grateful to my parents and watching my students develop every day inspires me to keep going. At the center, we work not only with children, but also with their families, explaining how to help the child develop speech and cognitively between our classes. It requires a lot of empathy, patience and understanding.
In times of stress, when the security situation in Kharkiv remains difficult, the center “My Room” provides children with the necessary stable environment where they can simply be children. That, in my opinion, is the most important thing.
Media Coverage
Our work in education and development is gaining recognition. Ukrainian and international media regularly cover our organization's projects, ranging from educational initiatives to systemic changes in the sector. Here, you will find publications highlighting our activities, partners, and results.
Before the start of classes in the center “My room”, my son and I experienced many difficulties. He has a disability from an early age, could not speak, and recovery was not easy. When the explosions and sirens started, his condition deteriorated again. He became closed, nervous, and our efforts, which had yielded results before the war, disappeared. It was very difficult financially, psychologically, and even physically.
When we first arrived at the center, I did not believe that anyone could help. But our problems were treated with understanding and warmth. Ilya began to work with a speech therapist, and this gave a result: he already speaks simple words. He also began to attend classes with a psychologist and gradually go to group classes. At first, Ilya was afraid of a large number of children, but after a few weeks I noticed changes. My boy just runs to class, he really likes it.
It is easier for me now because I see that our efforts in this project are producing results. Most of all I want to thank the teachers, they give all of themselves. It's great that there is such a project that helps children for free!
Natalia Kaharishena, mother of 10-year-old Irina
Our family is from Bakhmut. During the evacuation, Ira and I came under fire at the station in Kramatorsk, there were wounded. After treatment and long journeys, we stayed in Khmelnytskyi. Ira was very worried and frightened by every alarm. It was difficult for her to communicate and even to be among the children.
Since the summer of 2022, I learned about the center “My Room”. Since then, Ira and I have been attending classes all the time, and in just a few months I have seen significant changes in her behavior and learning. At first, a psychologist worked with her, and thanks to these individual activities, she gradually got rid of anxiety.
After that, Ira began to return to study. We were especially helped by lessons in mathematics and English. At first it was difficult for her to concentrate, but teachers helped overcome these difficulties. Ira became calmer, more collected.
Thanks to the center, my daughter adapted to a new city, school. She is calm here, she has a lot of friends. I see that she communicates and learns as a child of her age should. Thank you to the organizers of this project for a comfortable space for development.
Marina Vlasenko, mother of 8-year-old Sofia
Thanks to the project “My Room” our life has changed. My daughter Sofia passed the test and got into an in-depth education program. Now she is engaged in mathematics and Ukrainian, and she also works with a psychologist, and I see how these classes help her. In half a year she has become more confident, studying again brings her joy, and she loves to communicate with peers and teachers.
After two years of distance education, “My room” has become for us a small substitute for school — here we find support and peace, rejoice in success. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who created and supports this center, because without it my child would be much more difficult.
Vsevolod Moiseev, 17 years
When I found out about the project “My Room”, I had no special expectations. After two years of distance learning, it seemed that it would be difficult to get me interested in studying. But classes in groups, live communication with peers and joint preparation for exams changed my view. After a few months of participation, I realized that I could successfully study subjects, even mathematics, which I had not really liked before. And most importantly, I began to believe in myself.
The course “BeProfi” helped me understand what profession I want to get. I have also found friends and mentors here who support me along the way. Although sometimes it can be difficult due to the situation in the city and the stress of preparing for exams, I am grateful to the center team for giving me the strength and inspiration to move forward. Now I plan to enter an educational institution where I can realize my ambitions.
Elena Potamoshneva, speech therapist in the center
As a practicing speech therapist with many years of experience, I can say that the center “My Room” has become an important part of helping children with special educational needs. This is the place where they receive not only qualified speech therapy support, but also the communication necessary for the speech development. After the start of the war, many children lost access to permanent training with specialists, because the online format is not always effective for them. Therefore, offline classes are extremely important here.
Every little success in a child's speech is a big achievement for us. Regardless of the difficulties that arise in the job, feeling grateful to my parents and watching my students develop every day inspires me to keep going. At the center, we work not only with children, but also with their families, explaining how to help the child develop speech and cognitively between our classes. It requires a lot of empathy, patience and understanding.
In times of stress, when the security situation in Kharkiv remains difficult, the center “My Room” provides children with the necessary stable environment where they can simply be children. That, in my opinion, is the most important thing.
ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Educational and psychosocial support has become a steady pillar for families who have experienced loss and educational gaps due to the war.