Refugee-Led Organization in Slovakia Uses Puppet Theater to Empower Ukrainian Refugee Children

Creativity, Healing, and Community Through the Art of Storytelling

In Kežmarok, a town in eastern Slovakia, a refugee-led organization is using the power of culture and creativity to address the emotional impact of war on Ukrainian refugee children. The Ukrainian-Slovak Hub, supported by UNHCR Refugee-Led Organizations (RLO) grant scheme, has launched a unique puppet theater project, giving refugee children a platform to heal, express themselves and connect with their peers.

The initiative was born out of a deep need to provide emotional support to children who fled the war in Ukraine. Many of these children arrived in Slovakia feeling isolated, traumatized, and disconnected from their former lives. Recognizing the transformative power of art, the team at the Ukrainian-Slovak Hub created the puppet theater project, which enables teenagers to create and perform puppet shows for younger children, helping both groups process their experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

One of the project’s founders, Antonia, explained,

„We saw that many of the children were closed off, afraid, and struggling to express their feelings. The puppet theater became a way for them to project their emotions onto the puppets, making it easier for them to communicate and open up.

We chose the term ‚hub‘ because it reflects our vision of a center where everything comes together—communication, emotional and material support, and opportunities for growth. It’s a place where connections are formed, and where refugees can find a sense of belonging and community.“

For many of the teenage performers, the puppet project has been a breakthrough. One boy, who had been withdrawn and glued to his phone for months, found new energy and confidence through his role as a puppet character. „He was so quiet when he first arrived, barely speaking to anyone,“ Antonia recalled. „But as soon as he picked up the puppet, something changed. He started expressing himself, and now he is one of the most active performers.“

The puppet shows, which are created by the teenagers for younger children, carry important messages about friendship, courage, and the value of diversity. The storylines are often inspired by the children’s own experiences of displacement, with themes of overcoming challenges and finding strength in community. „The kids wanted to tell stories that resonate with their experiences,“ said the project’s co-founder, Olga. „We’ve incorporated themes about being different and learning to accept one another, which mirrors their own journey in a new country.“

One of the project’s goals is to bridge the gap between different age groups, bringing teenagers and younger children together in a shared creative space. „Teenagers and toddlers don’t usually interact much, but through this project, we’ve seen them form meaningful connections,“ Olga explained.

„It’s not just about the puppet shows; it’s about fostering a sense of community among these children who have been through so much.“

The project has also given the children something to look forward to. „They love the idea of performing, of showing what they’ve created to others,“ said Olga. „It gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment, which is so important for their mental health.“

The theater project is just one of many initiatives run by the Ukrainian-Slovak Hub, which was established in response to the massive displacement caused by the war in Ukraine. The hub provides a space where Ukrainian refugees can find support, community, and opportunities to rebuild their lives. Through cultural activities like the puppet theater, the hub is not only addressing the immediate needs of refugees but also helping to empower them to become active participants in their new society.

„Empowerment is key,“ said Antonia.

„These children have been through so much, but through projects like this, they are learning that they can still contribute, still create, and still find joy in their new lives. When we empower refugees, we give them the tools to heal and to give back to the communities that host them.“

Thanks to the support from UNHCR RLO grant scheme, which provides funding to refugee-led initiatives, the Ukrainian-Slovak Hub was able to secure a permanent space and expand their activities to reach more children. This grant has been crucial in enabling the hub to not only establish a fixed location for their programs but also provide the necessary materials for various cultural projects, including the puppet theater. Without this support, many of these initiatives would not have been possible.

As the children prepare for their next performance, the impact of the project is clear. „We’ve seen these kids transform,“ said Olga. „They’ve gone from being withdrawn and scared to being confident and creative. It’s a reminder that, even in the face of war and displacement, art and culture have the power to heal. Our goal is to not only provide immediate support but also create a sustainable community space where refugees can grow, integrate, and feel empowered to contribute back to society.”

The Ukrainian-Slovak Hub continues to provide a safe space for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia, helping them rebuild their lives while fostering a sense of community and belonging through the power of cultural expression.

By Stylianos Kostas in Bratislava, Slovakia

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