A song is a healing force.
It is a voice that overcomes silence, helps heal the soul, reconnects us with our roots, and reminds us what it means to be alive.
As part of the “Stories of Warriors” project, we hold singing sessions for veterans who are undergoing recovery after the war at the UNBROKEN Rehabilitation Center.
Ukrainian actress and singer Natalia Rybka-Parkhomenko visits the veterans — and together, they create something truly magical.
The first session took place in August 2025, at sunset, and continued under the stars — right on the rooftop of the UNBROKEN center.
It marked the beginning of a new space of trust, support, and unity. Together with Nataliya Rybka-Parkhomenko, participants sang traditional Ukrainian folk songs from different regions of Ukraine — songs that carry the strength of generations and bring the warmth of shared harmony.
From that evening, a living process was born — a singing art therapy, connecting people who have lived through war through the power of song.
Now, these sessions take place regularly — under the open sky, in cozy indoor spaces, or within the warm halls of the center.
The “Stories of Warriors” project is implemented jointly by YMCA-YWCA Lviv and YMCA Armed Services Danmark (KFUM Soldatermission) with the support of the New Democracy Fund.
How It takes place
Each session is a journey through Ukrainian folk songs.
We learn to sing together, share memories, and rediscover our own voices.
The singing circles bring together veterans, their families, volunteers, musicians, friends, and the staff of the rehabilitation center.
At one of the meetings, participants sang a mountain song about Dovbush — a symbol of strength and freedom. At another, they performed “Zberimosia, Rode” (“Let’s Gather, Family”) and several versions of “Mnohaya Lita”, celebrating the birthday of one of the participants.
Sometimes the music is accompanied by Markiian Turkanyk’s violin, the flute of Hryts, a veteran currently undergoing rehabilitation, and the most powerful instruments of all — the human voices: alive, real, and unique.
These evenings are filled with genuine connection, where everyone sings.
Each time, participants discover something new within themselves — a memory of family traditions, the voice of childhood, or an inner strength long forgotten.
We believe that song is also a form of therapy — gentle, natural, and deeply human, helping people to speak without words.
What Lies Ahead
By the end of the year, we plan to hold several more singing sessions and conclude the cycle with a festive Christmas concert.
The songs performed within “Stories of Warriors” will become part of our larger story — a story of recovery, trust, and inner light.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supports this project and helps it keep singing!
About the Project
“Stories of Warriors” is a joint Ukrainian-Danish initiative implemented by YMCA-YWCA Lviv and YMCA Armed Services Danmark (KFUM Soldatermission) with the support of the New Democracy Fund.
The project combines storytelling and art therapy, helping veterans rediscover their voices through texts and songs — and helping society hear and understand their stories.
We want every Ukrainian defender to have a space for self-expression, recovery, and inspiration.
Stay tuned — we’ll be regularly sharing photos, videos, and stories from each singing session.
Ahead lie many more warm evenings, voices, smiles, and songs that carry our shared strength 💛
