- October 13, 2024
- 5:13 pm
- Ukraine
What is a hibuki? This is an Israeli government program to support children who have experienced traumatic events, including those related to war.
Every child receives a toy hibuki dog in kindergarten or elementary school, and psychologists and psychotherapists consider it one of the best tools for overcoming traumatic and post-traumatic syndrome in children.
Ukraine is adopting the experience of Israel, but in Ukraine, hibuki has already been transformed not only into a full-fledged therapeutic technique, but is also successfully used in schools as a psychological and effective pedagogical tool, and from the beginning of the year it will also become part of the SEEN program.
“By transferring his fears to a toy, the child does not isolate himself in his experiences, but can talk about them,” – emphasizes Daphne Sharon-Maksimov, one of the creators of the technique, writes obozrevatel.
The technique is already actively used in Ukraine, where millions of children are traumatized by the war. Teams of Ukrainian teachers and psychologists were trained in Israel and Europe in the use of hibukki therapy. This cooperation between Israel and Ukraine was an important step in helping children who survived horrific events and underscores the solidarity of the two countries during this difficult time.
Hibuki therapy is used in Ukrainian schools and kindergartens as a psychological tool. Psychologists explain that “the basic principle of hibuki is to shift the focus of attention from yourself to the toy”. For example, when the siren sounds, the child does not panic, but takes Hibuki and cares for her, which helps him calm down.
Every detail matters in Hibuki. The sad eyes of a dog allow the child to associate himself with the toy and, thus, transfer his fears to it.
“The small size of the toy, suitable for a newborn, makes it easy to hug and feel protected,” — adds Sharon-Maksimov.
The history of the Hibuki Therapy technique reaches back to 2006, during the Second Lebanon War, when northern Israel was covered by enemy bombing. Thousands of refugees flocked to the south of the country, where tent cities were set up and became temporary homes for thousands of women and children. Psychologists worked with them. It was then that Dr. Shai Hen-Gal suggested using a toy as a therapeutic object, because it is simple and understandable to every child, inexpensive and quick to implement.
“We noticed that children who interact with hibuki experience trauma and stress more easily, and those who take care of their toy do not suffer from depression, and their trauma does not develop into post-trauma,” says Daphne Sharon-Maximov, one of the creators of the idea Hibuki, founder of the Hibuki therapy technique and program coordinator at the international level and, in particular, in Ukraine. “We are conducting a huge amount of research on the effectiveness of hibuki therapy together with Harvard University, Tel Aviv University, and now the Ukrainian University of Educational Management, proving that the toy allows you to survive trauma.”
“When the war began in Ukraine, we immediately thought about hibuks. – says Daphne. – Yes, the fact is that no matter how wonderful the technique is, it won’t be possible to just copy and paste. Moreover, the wars waged in Israel have never lasted so long. Therefore, at first the technique was prescribed for only 1-2 sessions, after which the child went on to live with his new friend.”
In Ukraine, the situation is different, so Daphne and her colleagues have finalized the methodology of a full-fledged therapeutic method.
“We accompany the hibuki with books, brochures, and comics for children and their parents. The difference between this method and the previous one is its duration, because it is intended for 3–6 months. There is also a separate Hibuki School program, recommended for a whole year of constant training with a toy.”
A training program has also been developed for teachers to help them support children in need of help. According to the director of the Institute of Postgraduate Education of the Zhytomyr Region, Igor Smagin, certified psychologists in hibuki therapy work in the region, which contributes to more effective assistance to children.
In the Cherkasy region, hibuki therapy is being actively implemented in both preschool, primary and secondary schools, which is also part of the effort to integrate this technique into educational programs.
“For example, children spend the morning circle with Hibuki, discussing various issues and doing exercises. If the child does not want to speak, the teacher invites him to speak on behalf of Hibuki.” — says Valeria Shinkareva, regional curator of the Israeli project in the Cherkasy region.
This cooperation between Israel and Ukraine is not limited to hibuki therapy. Israel actively provides assistance to Ukraine in various fields, including medical and humanitarian. This support comes in the form of supplies of medical supplies, equipment and specialist training.
Thus, hibuki therapy and joint efforts in other areas serve as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between Israel and Ukraine in the face of current difficulties.
