Rise Ukraine

Answering the Challenges of Our Time

Ukraine is experiencing profound social upheavals — full-scale war, forced displacement, loss of loved ones, and traumatic experiences. In such conditions, children are at high risk of developmental delays, emotional difficulties, and learning challenges. Rise programs are designed specifically to address these challenges — flexibly, deeply, and professionally.

Focus on Child Development

Rise programs focus on a holistic approach, addressing the physical, psychosocial, and educational development of children. This approach is critically important for Ukrainian children, especially those who have lost a stable environment, live in crisis conditions, or are being raised in vulnerable families.

Scientific and Medical Basis

Rise methodologies are based on modern research in pediatrics, neuropsychology, education, and child development. This allows not only to support children but also to effectively address developmental delays, foster secure attachment, and build foundational skills for their future life.

Supporting Both Children and Adults

The programs also include training and support for adults — parents, caregivers, and educators. This helps create a stable and nurturing environment around the child, promoting their growth and development.

Localized Approach

The Rise team in Ukraine works directly with local communities, adapting programs to the cultural context, language, and specific circumstances. This flexibility ensures greater effectiveness and sustainable impact.

Belief in Every Child’s Potential

The programs remind us that every child, regardless of their starting conditions, has the right to a full life, education, care, and the opportunity to reach their potential.

Years of Experience

135

qualified facilitators

4693

children

11895

beneficiaries

Kittens

Activities for the youngest children are filled with play, music, and the development of thinking, motor skills, and emotional intelligence. Children grow and learn through interaction with both their parents and trainers.

Age1-3 years

Rise

Developmental interactions for children focus on fine motor skills and positive engagement with peers. Emotional intelligence and critical thinking are nurtured through books and play.

Age3-6 years

Storytelling

Activities for younger school-age children focus on developing empathy, emotional intelligence, and critical and creative thinking through reading and exploring stories.

Age7-11 years

The Impact of Our Programs: When Care Changes Lives

Rise programs are not just assistance — they are a profound transformation. We support children and adults in their most vulnerable moments, opening the path to healing, growth, and a brighter future. Through love, science, and systematic work, we help restore childhoods lost to war, trauma, or lack of care. Our impact is not just numbers — it is real stories of change.

Restoring Child Development

Our programs address developmental delays caused by stress, trauma, or lack of stimulation. Through play therapy, care, and professional support, children regain essential skills — from motor abilities to speech, from emotional regulation to social interaction.

Promoting Mental Well-Being

We educate adults and work with children to help them cope with difficult experiences: the loss of their home, separation from loved ones, and living in conditions of war. Our psychological interventions are aimed at fostering safety, resilience, and inner stability.

Support for families and communities

We do not work in isolation. We support parents, caregivers, educators, and communities by creating an environment of love, understanding, and growth around the child. By strengthening adults, we build a stable future for children.

Creating equal access to quality education

Our educational initiatives open the doors to learning for children who might otherwise be left behind. We adapt programs to different developmental levels and contexts so that every child has the opportunity to learn, dream, and grow—regardless of their circumstances.

A symbol of resilience and hope

Kharkiv, July 2025

On the morning of July 6, 2025, we received a message from our partners in Kharkiv—Yuliya Shvarts and Mariya Shabalina: “It was a terrible night…”They are not just trainers. They are among the best. Brave, dedicated, and compassionate, they remain in Kharkiv—a city often called “the ghost city” today. Despite explosions and shelling, Yuliya and Mariya continue to hold Rise sessions for children.Last year, the city began to empty. Streets grew silent, neighborhoods became deserted. Even large international organizations scaled back their operations. We, too, were on the verge of leaving. But then something unexpected happened—the number of children kept growing. They came despite fear and danger. And we realized: we could not leave. We stayed. And we gave them more—more care, more light in a city nearly drowned in darkness.Today, Kharkiv is not just a city under fire. It is a symbol of resilience. Thanks to people like Yuliya and Mariya, and to children who dream amid the ruins, Kharkiv has become a symbol of hope.

The quiet power of Rise programs

Stanislav, 6 years old, Kozova village

In the school of Kozova village, we met first-grader Stanislav. During the session, he sat quietly, lost in thought, as if immersed in his own world.
Teachers explained that this is how he behaves when he is scared. His father is at the front, and Stanislav lives with sadness and constant fear.
In the village, there are no clubs or safe spaces—only the school. This is where a child can experience the joy of childhood, as Rise programs create an atmosphere of care: children learn to talk about their emotions, play, and be together.
During this session, Stanislav took his small step. At first, he glanced around timidly, then made eye contact with the teacher. Soon after, he threw a ball to another child.
Rise teacher-trainers say: “We cannot stop the war, but we can give children moments without fear.”
Stanislav’s story is not unique. Thousands of children in Ukraine live with anxiety. They need a place where they are seen and accepted. Because even a small step—a smile, a glance, a thrown ball—becomes a great victory.
When children feel care, safety, and support, they begin to believe in themselves and their abilities. This is how hope for the future emerges.

How Rise programs change children’s lives

Kropyvnytskyi town

In March, the Rise methodology was introduced in Kropyvnytskyi at the municipal institution “Preschool Education Facility (Nursery-Kindergarten) No. 8 ‘Zernyatko’ of the Kropyvnytskyi City Council.”
This unique kindergarten serves children with special educational needs. It has seven age groups: four inclusive groups, two speech-therapy groups for children with speech difficulties, and one early-age group.
The methodology, which combines books and games, is implemented by 14 qualified trainers across five groups. Early results are already visible:
Children show greater interest in learning and actively engage with others;
Preschoolers demonstrate excellent progress in mastering topics;
Teachers and parents note the positive impact of the Rise methodology on the educational process.
Like most towns and villages in Ukraine, Kropyvnytskyi faces daily air-raid alerts and shelling. This complicates learning, so sessions are often held in shelters.

A success story

Illia, Brody town

Illia, a boy from Brody, overcame learning difficulties thanks to the Storytelling method introduced by Rise Alliance for Children at the local children’s library. This approach helped him organize his learning process and complete homework quickly and effectively.
Previously, Illia struggled with time management and concentration and often lacked energy. Everything changed when he began attending special sessions at the library using the Storytelling method. It was not just an engaging technique—it became a real breakthrough in his learning.
Thanks to the Storytelling method, Illia not only overcame his difficulties but also discovered genuine joy in learning. He now absorbs material faster, develops both physically and emotionally, and most importantly, has learned to enjoy the process of discovery. All of this was made possible through the support of his mother and the methodology implemented by Rise Alliance for Children at the Brody library.

We are the Rise Ukraine team.
We stand with children and families, providing support, hope, and a space to grow —even in the most challenging times.

We work to ensure that every child has a space for dreams and a future.

Nataliya Petryshyn

Magdalyna’s mother

“I am very grateful to the Rise team for these sessions. My child runs here with joy because she is heard, supported, and inspired. We see her becoming more confident, learning to make friends and trust others. For us, these are not just lessons—it is a place where our child feels safe and happy again.”

May 2024

Катерина Арабська

Melania's and Stefan’s mother

“After being forced to stay abroad due to the war, it was not easy for us to return to normal life in Ukraine. The children missed their friends and felt anxious and insecure. Rise programs became a real support for us. Here, my children were able to gradually adapt, make new friends, and feel at home. I see them smiling again, opening up, and attending sessions with curiosity. This has been an immense help for our family.”

June 2025

Iryna Shchehelska

Tereza’s mother

“What impressed me the most about Rise programs is how much attention is given to books and reading. My daughter has always loved books, but after the war began, it became difficult for her to focus. Here, through engaging stories and discussions, she has rediscovered her love for reading. Every session is a new adventure for her, helping to develop imagination, thinking, and the ability to share her feelings. I am very grateful for this opportunity—because books truly heal.”

серпень 2025