Project description:

Challenge: In Ukraine, children and adolescents with hearing impairments often face isolation and a lack of safe spaces for development and communication. After hearing aids are fitted, parents are often left to navigate rehabilitation challenges on their own. The need for accessible inclusion, socialization, and psychological support is acute, especially during wartime, when families lose stability and resources.

Solution: The NGO Vidchuy organised two summer camps: the anniversary teen camp “Vidchuy. Summer” with eco-activities, team tasks, and inclusive practices, and the family camp “Mama VIDCHUVA”, a retreat for mothers with children aged 2–4 years following their children’s hearing aid fitting. The camps became a space for socialisation, adaptation, and psychological support, where participants gained shared experiences, new skills, and resources for their future lives.

Result: More than 150 participants gained an inclusive experience and a new circle of friends. Teenagers in three categories (deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing from vulnerable groups) learned to interact, developed environmental awareness, and gained teamwork skills together. Seventeen mothers regained their emotional resources through group and individual practices, and children received daily development activities. The camps strengthened communities that continue to support each other after the programs ended.

Partners:

Ukrgasbank

Category: Social Change

Company: NGO Vidchui

About the company: 

In 2025, the NGO Vidchuy held two summer camps. The anniversary teen camp “Vidchuy. Summer” brought together three groups: deaf people, hard-of-hearing people with hearing aids, and hearing people from vulnerable groups. The teens learned to interact through quests, creative activities, sports, and eco-activities that developed teamwork and environmental awareness. The family camp “Mama VIDCHUVA” was held for the second time: mothers with children aged 2–4 attended a retreat with specialists, and children participated in sensory activities. The camps promote inclusion, socialisation, and sustainable development.