The Book About Me Training in Lviv: Preparing Facilitators to Support Children

On 27–28 August, a facilitator training session under The Book About Me programme took place in Lviv, bringing together over 30 participants from across Ukraine — including Kherson, Volyn, Lviv, Zakarpattia, Khmelnytskyi, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kyiv, and Poltava regions.

Over the course of two days, participants explored the key aspects of implementing the programme. They not only learned about its theoretical foundations but also engaged in elements of the programme themselves in order to better understand its impact and the competencies required for effective facilitation.

“During the training, we talked in depth about the importance of creating a safe space where children can be themselves, express their thoughts and feelings, and feel heard. The Book About Me programme is both sensitive and structured, yet simple. It helps children not only talk about themselves but also build inner resilience and identify sources of support within their environment,” said Anna Hubeliuk, Lead Specialist in Basic Psychosocial Support at the National Committee of the Ukrainian Red Cross.

The Book About Me programme is part of the broader Birds in Flight initiative, launched by the Swedish Red Cross in 2010. It was developed to support the well-being of children who have experienced war, torture, or forced migration through reflection and safe environments.

The programme has been implemented in Ukraine since 2022 and has reached more than 15 regions so far. Its realisation was made possible with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).