At first glance, life in Kharkiv goes on. The grass is mowed, garbage collection functions smoothly and you see mothers and children eating ice cream in the park. The occasional air raid alarms seem to have little effect on the people. However, in conversations, it quickly becomes clear how many people suffer from the constant threat situation. A woman reports: "We were walking in the park, my son, his family, and I, when there was an explosion. My son was hit by flying shrapnel – 39 pieces had to be surgically removed from his body, and he still suffers from the physical consequences." Many people in Kharkiv can tell similar or more devastating stories. They also repeatedly talk about the nights when the windows shake because of a nearby explosion – and their fear that this time it might hit their own house.

Over 20 year ago, the Phoenix curative education school was founded in Kharkiv. Especially for people with disabilities fleeing from war is increasingly difficult. Both within the country, as well as cross-border. From the beginning of the war, the staff at Phoenix tried their best to continue working with the students who stayed. The international cooperation Friends of Waldorf Education has been supporting the school for many years. Thanks to numerous donations from Friends of Waldorf Education’s appeals for Ukraine, it was possible for the pedagogues to continue this crucial work. Due to the war, they can no longer work in their original school building, as they have no bomb shelter. Since the summer of 2022, schools are only allowed to conduct in-person classes if there is a shelter suitable for all students and staff. Therefore, additional rooms had to be rented, where classes can now – provisionally – take place.

Angelika Merzalowa, one of the teachers at Phoenix school, participated in the 2023/2024 training for Emergency and Trauma Pedagogy by Friends of Waldorf Education in Lviv. "The training inspired me greatly, and I was enthusiastic about Emergency and Trauma Pedagogy. In Kharkiv, I went to the streets in my neighbourhood, where there are always children, and took balls and a play parachute out of the box. Initially, the children were very surprised, but by the end of the hour, they were happily playing." Angelika also managed to set up a Child Friendly Space in a public bunker in the neighbourhood. She was given a large room in the basement where she can work with the children pedagogically during an air raid alarm. "We do rhythmic games with singing and body percussion, have fun with the colourful play parachute, and offer form-drawing, painting, and various types of crafts. From the beginning, it was evident that the children stayed calmer, more collected and happier through the activities." The emergency pedagogical work with the children also has a positive effect on the parents. They are very grateful that Angelika and her colleagues take care of the children, as it gives them some relief by alleviating their worries and fears for their children.