Purpose
Create a safe, therapeutic Halloween evening for 18 Belarusian refugee children in Vilnius who live with acute trauma, anxiety, and related health conditions.
Event
• Date & time: Friday, 31 October 2025, 17:00–late
• Place: House of Peace, Vilnius
• Format: costumes, calm games, therapeutic art, music, supervised activities; sensory-aware setup for children with heightened startle responses.
Why this matters
Most people know that Ukrainian refugee children often fear fireworks because they recall bombings and war. Far fewer know that many Belarusian refugee children in Lithuania live with a different fear: they are afraid to fall asleep.
Many Belarusian children survived nighttime home raids in Belarus—masked men in black uniforms, armed with rifles, breaking down doors while families slept. Children watched parents beaten and taken away. In some cases, one or both parents never returned and still remain political prisoners.
These children now live in exile with deep trauma. Many suffer from acute post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and other serious health conditions, worsened by displacement and uncertainty.
We will create a small, safe moment of joy for 18 of these children: a trauma-informed Halloween celebration in Vilnius. For a few hours they will have laughter, music, costumes, games, art, and connection—simple experiences every child deserves.
| Budget | (goal €680) |
| €300 | animators, therapeutic games, art materials |
| €200 | cakes, decorations, food (allergens labeled; non-stimulating options provided) |
| €180 | utilities, space rental, logistics |
Stretch use (if above goal)
• Invite additional children
• Add extra animators/therapists
• Expand quiet/sensory rooms and materials
About The Author
