AMURTEL Romania just recently wrapped up two years of supporting the mental health and resiliency of 6250 Ukrainan refugees within the bigger “Care for Ukraine” project funded by CARE-FONPC-SERA. We want to celebrate and appreciate the dedication and hard work of our team, in which Ukrainian women like Natalia, Cristina and Gunaratna took the leadership to help their fellow citizens.
We also recognize that none of it would have been possible without the initial outpouring of support that all of you sent so that we could immediately get a team on the ground.
Your quick response made it happen and was multiplied!
In February, 2022 as more than 2 million Ukrainian refugees began pouring across the border into Romania, it was your generous and rapid response that brought Emergency Psychologist Melinda Endrefy and her iconic sidekick, the giant stuffed monkey Oscar, to the border to offer a calming, comforting presence to disoriented refugees in shock.
226,633 euros for two years
We were then able to multiply that impact, attracting a total of 226,633 euros funding from CARE-SERA- FONPC over two years. Our goal was to address the complex challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees not only in the initial emergency phase but with ongoing support through recovery and integration phases.
2153 people received therapy on sleep disorders, refugee syndrome, and more
Each of the 6250 refugees that came through AMURTEL’s individual and group counseling, educational workshops, therapeutic storytelling sessions, and cultural performances received the heartwarming and healing care of our team of psychologist and mental health experts which included Ekateryna, Maryna, Tetiana and Jyoti. They offered individual therapy and led group sessions focused on topics such as stress management, sleep disorders in children, non-violent communication, refugee syndrome and emotional intelligence.
Grateful for Yoga: Feedback received from a 61-year-old course participant.
“I express deep gratitude for this project. The yoga classes have been instrumental in bringing balance to our minds and strengthening our bodies. Personally, I have discovered profound meaning in my life through this transformative experience.”
400 people came to yoga and qigong classes!
Refugees found comfort and wellness through our yoga classes led by Sambodha, Gunaratna, Jyoti as well as two other volunteer instructors in Brasov. Similarly a local Romanian voluteer, Gabriela Gradinar, offered qigong classes. These sessions consolidated the emotional regulation techniques, taught in workshops. They not only promoted well-being but also created community connections with the volunteers.
Local Romanian Qigong Volunteer
Gabriela Maria, a Qigong instructor from Brasov joined our team asa a volunteer providing Qigong classes. The purpose was to offer relaxation, vitality, and emotional balance.
1080 people came to events designed to promote empathy and bonding
Therapeutic stories written by Ukrainian refugees that reflected their journeys from disorientation and despair towards renewed hope through metaphors were performed on stage, in three performances. The shows awakened greater empathic connection between Romanians and Ukrainians.
Our dedicated team also organized other events to bridge the gap between Romanians and Ukrainians, including two performances of Carol exchanges and a very well attended weekend picnic in Brasov.
3525 therapeutic story books written by refugees printed and distributed
Internationally renowned author of therapeutic stories, Susan Perrow, led online story writing workshops that resulted in the collection “Rays of Light During the Storm”. The stories were printed and distributed in AMURTEL’s resiliency workshops, parenting sessions and group therapy – as well as in schools.
Sharing their personal journeys through metaphors of elves and forests, ants and floods, a black rock eclipsing the sun, participants found ways to offer hope and empowerment to other refugees. Our psychologist Tetiana said that parents reported that their children asked to hear to stories again and again. The graphic designer said the stories brought tears to his eyes “These are our stories!” he said.
750 children came to workshops at school and in the community
Our community outreach team organized therapeutic workshops for teachers and directly with children in schools and community events, designed to help them integrate their experiences as refugees, release stress and have fun!
Amazing social media reach: 442,259 views
Anastasia our amazing Ukrianian social media wizard ensured that messages on positive parenting, mental health myths and facts, how to deal with the extra stresses of refugee life reached the largest possible audience via Telegram
Gratitude and Appreciation
We extend sincere thanks to everyone involved in this project, including all of you that contributed at the beginning and helped get it rolling! It has been a great example of the vital role of community support and resilience. Together, through collaboration and dedication, we can create a more empathetic and nurturing environment for those going through challenging times.
With warmth and hope,
The AMURTEL Project Team
