Repower Spain.
SPRING 2024

Acquaintance

Every project begins with an introduction. The Spanish program is no exception. In the first half of the day, the participants briefly told about themselves, we talked about the expectations from the project and formed the rules of joint stay.

And then - the long-awaited sea! This power and at the same time this peace from this envorinment will not replace any sensations. For some, it was the first sea in their life. And we also went for a walk through the old city and climbed a mountain in our area.

Psychology

Our important partner Repower is the public organization "Vilnyy Vybir (Free Choice)", which provides psychological support for our projects. We have developed a special educational course that includes theoretical knowledge and practical skills regarding: understanding of psychological trauma, psychological first aid, regulation of anxiety and other psycho-emotional reactions, as well as methods of recovery after a mild brain injury.



Professional exchange of experience

Our target audience is military medics and doctors. Therefore, in each project, we organize a day of professional exchange of experience. This time it was a clinic in the city of Denia. First, our participants told their Spanish colleagues about the main differences between civilian and military medicine. We were also given a tour of different departments of the hospital: reception area, intensive care, surgery, pediatrics and many other locations. Some of our participants work both in hospitals and on the front, so it was very informative to see the logistics of the hospital, their equipment and the specifics of treatment.

Physical activities

Active recreation is an important component of our rehabilitation. So we went on a kayak trip. We often emphasize the importance of our unity. This sport clearly shows the importance of synchronization of efforts. The coordinated work of both participants helps to stabilize the kayak itself, move faster and get less tired. Also, during the project, participants could choose activities between boating, cycling, playing volleyball or climbing a mountain. Special daredevils managed to take part everywhere.


Exploring new cities

In the second half of the Repower project of psychological recovery of active military medics, we went to Valencia. Here we visited a modern recreation area - the City of Arts and Sciences. The complex is surrounded by parks, streams and pools, this area is a favourite place of rest for residents and guests of the city, a place of unity with nature and peace even in the middle of a noisy city.

In the first project, we went to an emotional flamenco concert, and in the second project, we had an excursion in a large-scale Valencia seaport, the fifth in Europe.

And networking with the volunteers from all over the world

Our area is famous for its extremely comfortable climate. So it is not surprising that residents from some countries of the world live here. For these 2 projects, we were lucky enough to attract volunteers from 15 countries to the program for: yoga, osteopath sessions, kayaking, cooking, massages, excursions, art therapy, music practices and much, much more.

On the last day of Spanish projects, it has already become our little tradition: to decorate our garden and invite all foreign volunteers to a cozy evening of peaceful conversations. We are happy to feel the support of the world even in such a small Spanish town.



TO OUR SPANISH PROJECTS WE HAVE INVITED

45 military medics

who save dozens of lives every day

4 volunteers

engaged in medical supply for the Armed Forces of Ukraine

2 psychologists

with experience working with military personnel

KEY
PROJECT PARTNER

Repower projects in Spain are implemented thanks to cooperation with the organization Cultura Contra Balas (translated from the Spanish "Culture Against Bullets"). Natalia and David are an example of a family that, despite being so far away, is actually with Ukraine with all their hearts. They rented a cozy villa specifically for such recovery projects and invited partnering foundations to make the magic happen together.

Watch our short video about Spanish projects

This year, we were fortunate to visit sunny Spain twice with two groups of 25 Ukrainian medical professionals. We are sincerely grateful to our partners Cultura Contra Balas for their invaluable support.