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Our children are living through their only childhood against the tragic backdrop of war.
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine was not prepared for such an unprecedented level of psychological trauma. We faced challenges that no one could have predicted. Without a ready-made response framework, we are forced to learn resilience every single day.
Instead of ignoring these problems, we must confront them directly. By understanding the consequences of psychological trauma, we can work toward a global solution — not only for Ukraine, but for the world
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine was not prepared for such an unprecedented level of psychological trauma. We faced challenges that no one could have predicted. Without a ready-made response framework, we are forced to learn resilience every single day.
Instead of ignoring these problems, we must confront them directly. By understanding the consequences of psychological trauma, we can work toward a global solution — not only for Ukraine, but for the world
Oksana Lebedieva is a Ukrainian civic leader and child rights expert, as well as the founder and Chair of the Board of the NGO Gen.Ukrainian. The organization focuses on developing and implementing psychological rehabilitation programs for children and adolescents affected by the war.
OKSANA LEBEDIEVA
Founder of Gen.Ukrainian
Professional
Activity
Activity
In March 2022, Oksana Lebedieva founded Gen.Ukrainian in response to the growing need for systematic psychological support for children who had experienced war-related trauma — including the loss of parents, occupation, hostilities, and forced deportation.
The organization
- develops and implements psychological rehabilitation programs;
- runs Gen. Camp, intensive psychological support programs for children;
- works to establish standards of care for children who have experienced trauma;
- implements projects dedicated to preserving and documenting children’s wartime experiences.
First intensive
for children
for children
In August 2022, the Gen.Ukrainian team of psychologists held the first Gen.Camp rehabilitation intensive for children from Mariupol, Irpin, and Bucha. Since the organization’s founding, thousands of children from across Ukraine have received psychological support through its programs.
Developing
a Systemic Approach
a Systemic Approach
In August 2025, Oksana Lebedieva initiated the creation of Gen. Hope, a Center of Excellence for child and adolescent mental health.
The Center focuses on:
The mission of Gen. Hope is to strengthen professional capacity in the field of child mental health and integrate modern international practices into the national context.
The Center focuses on:
- implementing trauma-informed approaches;
- training and supervising specialists;
- developing methodologies and professional standards;
- advancing psychosocial support systems in Ukraine and internationally.
The mission of Gen. Hope is to strengthen professional capacity in the field of child mental health and integrate modern international practices into the national context.
Public Engagement
Oksana Lebedieva is the co-author of the art book CRYONES and the producer of the documentary film Stolen Childhood, both dedicated to the experiences of children affected by war.
She is also a recipient of the UP100 Award by Ukrainska Pravda in the Society category.
She is also a recipient of the UP100 Award by Ukrainska Pravda in the Society category.
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Support the future of Ukraine with Gen.Ukrainian
100% of the collected funds are directed to rehabilitation intensives, scientific activities, support of the Gen. children and psycho-social support of their families.
