‘Workshop of Traditions’ — Mental Health Care for the Whole Family. An Initiative for Children, Parents, Grandparents and Grandchildren

Academy of Care, supported by ITU Member EPAM Ukraine, has launched the social initiative “Workshop of Traditions” — a virtual platform with wholesome rituals, games, and activities for children, parents, as well as grandparents, so that even from a distance, every child has the opportunity to nurture family values, traditions, and feel the connection between generations — guided by the character Morkva Horikhivna.

 

The family is the first place where a child’s worldview is shaped. In times when millions of Ukrainians have been separated due to the war, it is especially important to preserve traditions that unite generations.

 

The main character is Morkva Horikhivna. She is a modern grandmother in sneakers and a bright pink hairstyle, always ready with “a thousand and one” fun activities for the family. Together with her, participants:

 

• Establish family traditions. Playing “Family Island,” “Care Package,” or writing “Letters of Happiness” — to create their own family rituals that bring them together.
• Learn to recognize and talk about emotions. With fun and helpful tools like “Conflict Ball,” “Angry Celery,” and “Backwards Game” — to learn how to express feelings instead of hiding them.
• Share hugs and tactile contact. For example, in the game “Carrot Pie,” which creates a space for warm embraces and helps feel safe.
• Master Carrot Yoga. Simple asanas from Morkva Horikhivna — from “Carrot Root Up” to “Planting Greens” — strengthen the body and bring a sense of balance.
• Receive useful materials. 20 cards with exercises, games and rituals — for the body, emotions and family comfort.

 

The project’s hallmark is an interactive landing page with a gallery of cards, where each click reveals a new activity or tradition. Short instructions will help any family start their own family traditions of supporting one another.

 

It doesn’t matter who is nearby — mom and dad, beloved grandma, grandpa, or a pet. Care starts from within. A strong family is built on rituals that give the feeling: ‘I am home,

— says the founder of the Academy of Care, Anastasia Svoboda.

 

All project materials are open and free of charge. Click here to visit your “Workshop of Traditions.”

 

At our company, we implement and support mental health care initiatives for our colleagues and their families. We are pleased that this time, in collaboration with the Academy, we will be able to involve even more Ukrainians in such a warm and much-needed initiative today. The connection between adults and young participants is invaluable support in times of war,

— comments Viktoriia Didukh, Head of Event Organisation at EPAM Ukraine.

 

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The social initiative “Workshop of Traditions” was created for International Family Day by the Academy of Care, supported by EPAM Ukraine.