First aid for war trauma

For many children and young people from Ukraine, the horrific images are seared into their souls: dead bodies, explosions, desperate people. They are suffering greatly from what they have experienced and are also worried about relatives and friends who have remained in the war zone.

"Panic attacks, silence, post-traumatic stress disorder, and in the worst cases, permanent damage." Ronald Reimann is the project manager of the organization Xenion and knows the consequences of war experiences. For 35 years, Xenion has operated a treatment center in Berlin for traumatized refugees and victims of war and torture. Around 50 experienced therapists, social workers, and interpreters are currently available to help people from Ukraine. But that's not enough. The staff are at their breaking point. There's already a waiting list of several weeks for the initial consultation. Therefore, Terre des Hommes is supporting Xenion by funding urgently needed additional staff.

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In addition to providing essential therapeutic support, Xenion also offers young refugees who have been in Berlin for some time rap and self-defense courses, as well as informal gatherings where they can simply play foosball and cook together. "With the Ukrainian youths," says Ronald Reimann, "we first need to assess their specific needs." Weekly moderated discussion groups are planned. It's important for the children and teenagers to connect with peers who have experienced similar hardships and to realize: I am not alone.