In Poland, horse therapy helps Ukrainian refugee children cope with the trauma of fleeing war

On a farm outside of Lublin, Poland, the Eleon Foundation, a Ukrainian refugee-led organization, is taking a novel approach to delivering mental health and psychosocial care for Ukrainian refugee children. 

Founded in November 2022 by Ukrainian refugee Igor Moskalyk and a community of volunteers who were forced to flee Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the Eleon Foundation supports children with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum and those with Down syndrome. One approach to providing care to refugee children is the introduction of hippotherapy (horse therapy). Hippotherapy helps support children's physical, emotional and social development. 

Parents of children receiving care through the Eleon Foundation report improved behavior and emotional stability, and for children suffering from physical disabilities, the sessions have helped with dexterity and range of motion. Many parents also share that their children have an improved mood leading up to and immediately after their therapy. The anticipation and excitement of engaging with the horses and other kids at the farm has a tremendous impact on their well-being.

Sabrina’s mother, Oksana, saw an immediate improvement in her daughter’s behavior after she started hippotherapy sessions. “She started to behave more calmly and she is happier now,” shares Oksana. Sabrina’s improved behavior has carried into the classroom; her kindergarten teacher shared with Oksana that since starting hippotherapy, Sabrina has been less disruptive in the classroom.

“Of course, Sabrina’s therapy has impacted me as well because when my child is happy, I am happy,” says her mother.

In addition to hippotherapy, the Eleon Foundation offers a Polish language-speaking club, supports refugee children's enrollment in Polish schools and is a hub for refugee families raising children with special needs to connect and build community. The Eleon Foundation’s work is particularly vital as mental healthcare and psychosocial support remain critical for refugees from Ukraine. 

February marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency estimates that 10.6 million Ukrainians are displaced from their homes. UNHCR continues to deliver lifesaving care and protection to approximately one million Ukrainian refugees in Poland and works with organizations like the Eleon Foundation to help ensure refugees are connected to the services they need.

According to Eleon Foundation’s founder, Igor Moskalyk, the aim of the foundation’s activities is not only to provide care to children but to help improve the quality of life for all the families that have children enrolled in Eleon-sponsored activities. “Since coming to Poland, we broadened our horizons and our activities because of the needs of refugees in Poland,” says Igor. “My son has a disability, he has some specific needs, and our volunteers and employees also have children with specific needs.”

For single mothers like Alona, connecting with other families going through the experience of raising a child with special needs after fleeing war has been invaluable for finding some footing far from home. “I would say the families here are like a team,” says Alona. “I can call anyone here, even if it’s just to cry or tell them what is going on, and they will support me.”

At the Eleon Foundation, Alona has watched her son Nikita grow more confident and curious. “I noticed immense effects of the therapy, and my son started to feel more confident, and once we finished therapy for the first time, he asked to continue over and over again,” Alona shares with a smile. “I would say the therapy has affected his physical and emotional state. He started to ask me to switch on cartoons about horses and I see how happy my son is each time we come to therapy.”  

Igor wants to grow the Eleon Foundation and expand its work to other countries in the region that host Ukrainian refugees. His motivation is centered around providing care to children and helping build community. “I really feel satisfied when I know that there are people we are able to assist, particularly Ukrainians,” says Igor.

The Eleon Foundation and Igor Moskalyk recently received the Gene Dewey Refugee Award for compassionate leadership and dedication to delivering critical psychosocial care to Ukrainian refugee children with special needs in Poland.

The Gene Dewey Refugee Award, named in recognition of Arthur “Gene” Dewey, USA for UNHCR co-founder and former UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, recognizes individuals who demonstrate visionary leadership and extraordinary dedication to helping people forcibly displaced.

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UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, supports refugees who have been forced to flee violence, war and persecution. Our donors help refugees in their greatest time of need with shelter, food, water and medical care, and their support builds awareness for resettled refugees living in the U.S. With your help, more refugees will have the opportunity to build peaceful lives and give their families a bright future.