Wings: Rehabilitation Program for Children and Their Parents Displaced from Artsakh

“The simplest way to acquire wings is by giving a pair to someone else”

In the aftermath of the tragic events of September 2023, more than 120,000 residents of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), including 30,000 children, were forcibly displaced from their homeland, leaving them in profoundly challenging living conditions. In just five years, these children endured war, a total blockade, forcible displacement, and—on the final day in their homeland—an explosion that claimed the lives of their fathers, shattering their world. This deep trauma has left a silent pain, visible in the profound sadness of their eyes.

In response to this humanitarian crisis, the “We Are Our Mountains” Development Agency launched the three-month “Wings” rehabilitation program for children aged 4-18 and their parents who have been forcibly displaced from Artsakh, wherever they now reside in Armenia. The program aims to rejuvenate the physical, psychological, and mental well-being of children and adolescents. It emphasizes psychological rehabilitation, parental awareness of children’s needs, community cohesion, and smoother integration into new environments.

The Wings rehabilitation program is distinguished by its holistic and evidence-based approach, integrating four critical elements—psychological, physical, mental, and social—delivered concurrently. This comprehensive model ensures that each element not only addresses a specific need but also reinforces and amplifies the impact of the others, creating a solid foundation for sustainable healing and resilience.

The program’s long-term effectiveness depends on the harmonized activation of these components, enabling children and their families to achieve meaningful, lasting recovery.

To further enhance impact and ensure community-level transformation, the program now includes the active participation of local children. This deliberate integration fosters empathy, inclusion, and social cohesion, helping to bridge divides and promote social justice, while building stronger, more resilient communities.

Program components: 

1. Psychological rehabilitation through creative methods by applying a wide range of trauma-informed methods—such as storytelling, expressive arts, resilience-building exercises, and drama therapy, sand therapy, hippotherapy, scribble drawing, mask making, collage, clay sculpting, mandala therapy, thread drawing, and more (36 hours total). Parental support through group and individual therapy sessions, as well as activities fostering social connections and community building.
2. Physical rehabilitation through sports therapy, offering activities such as swimming, volleyball, football, dancing, and yoga (24 hours total).
3. Mental rehabilitation via a two-day intensive program focused on adaptation and social skills (16 hours total).
4. Socio-cultural adaptation through study visits, community events, and excursions, helping participants integrate into their new communities.

Expected results: 

• Breaking the Cycle of Trauma: Children who receive proper support are more likely to grow into resilient adults, preventing the perpetuation of trauma within families and communities.
• Psychological Healing: Children will learn to cope with loss, express emotions, and build resilience, allowing them to re-engage fully with life.
• Social Integration: Children will develop the skills to form new social connections, adapt to their new environments, and build supportive networks.
• Relief and Support for Families: Parents will feel comforted knowing their children are receiving care and support, reducing stress and anxiety.