Far from the front line but never far from its effects, children arrive at Mercy Farm with stories that no child should have to tell. Many are internally displaced, having fled cities and villages in the east. Almost all have lived through air raids, long journeys, disrupted schooling and the loss of friends or relatives.
The Equilibrium project, led by our partner Margarita at Mercy Farm, offers these children and their families a two-week rehabilitation programme.
At the beginning and end of each day, the group hold hands in a circle to remind them that they are not alone. The children then head to the stables to spend time with the horses: Baltazar, Sandy, Darius and Penelope, the newest member of the team. Penelope is a calm, well-trained horse, ideal for working with anxious children and adults (photo below). Alongside the horses are other therapy animals – a rabbit and a parrot – who quickly become trusted companions. Through equine-assisted therapy, massage, art, music, stories and play, Equilibrium aims to build resilience and help children process the trauma of war, so that they can remain hopeful even in the most difficult of times. For adults as well, these animals provide a non-judgemental, comforting focus when words are hard to find.
Across Ukraine, frequent power cuts are a constant reminder of war, disrupting heating, communications and daily life. However, as Margarita explains, the authorities generally avoid cutting electricity to farms. This means that Mercy Farm can usually rely on light and heat even when nearby towns and cities are plunged into darkness.
For the children who come to Equilibrium, this matters profoundly. They can spend their days in a place where the lights do not suddenly go out, the rooms remain warm, and sessions are not interrupted by sirens or blackouts. In the midst of chaos, the farm offers a rare sense of continuity.
Over 600 children have already taken part in the programme and there is no shortage of children wishing to take part as more internally displaced families arrive from the east seeking safety and a chance to start again.
Renovation of the first floor at Mercy Farm is now complete, providing a bright, comfortable environment where children and parents can rest, talk and participate in indoor activities. Margarita is very grateful to DHM and all the faithful supporters who provided funds for this renovation.
While there have been many challenges recently, including illness, cold weather and even cows breaking into the horses’ stables and eating their hay, the project continues to thrive. One mother recently commented,
“You have done more for my son in two weeks than I could in a whole year. If everyone could come here for two weeks upon arrival from the war zones, the children would recover from their trauma so much quicker.”
Her words are a testimony to the patience and care that Margarita and her team show towards each child.
Your continued support and generosity is vital to ensure that Equilibrium can keep its doors open, care for the animals, provide a warm and welcoming space, and offer this life-giving programme to traumatised children and their families in the months and years ahead.
If you would like to donate to Equilibrium, use the reference: Equilibrium.
