Teens resilience academy
Building resilience, confidence and wellbeing among Ukrainian teenagers in the Netherlands
Age groups: 12–14 and 14–16 years
Language: Ukrainian
Duration: One semester (up to 5 months)
About program
Growing up is challenging. Displacement makes it even harder. Supporting teenagers before difficulties become crises
Many Ukrainian teenagers are navigating major changes while adjusting to life in a new country. They face new schools, new friendships, uncertainty about the future, and the emotional impact of displacement.
The Teens Resilience Academy (TRA), developed by Empatia, helps young people strengthen the emotional skills they need to navigate these challenges with confidence.
Through interactive group sessions led by Ukrainian-speaking psychologists, teenagers learn practical strategies for understanding emotions, managing stress, building healthy relationships, and developing resilience that will support them throughout their lives.
Adolescence is already a period of significant emotional and social development. For displaced young people, these challenges are often intensified by uncertainty, disrupted routines, separation from friends and family, and adapting to a new environment.
TRA was created to provide preventive, evidence-informed psychological support that helps teenagers build resilience early, strengthen protective factors, and feel more connected to themselves and those around them.
Rather than focusing on problems alone, the programme helps young people recognise their strengths and develop lifelong emotional skills.
About program
Growing up is challenging. Displacement makes it even harder. Supporting teenagers before difficulties become crises
Many Ukrainian teenagers are navigating major changes while adjusting to life in a new country. They face new schools, new friendships, uncertainty about the future, and the emotional impact of displacement.
The Teens Resilience Academy (TRA), developed by Empatia, helps young people strengthen the emotional skills they need to navigate these challenges with confidence.
Through interactive group sessions led by Ukrainian-speaking psychologists, teenagers learn practical strategies for understanding emotions, managing stress, building healthy relationships, and developing resilience that will support them throughout their lives.
Adolescence is already a period of significant emotional and social development. For displaced young people, these challenges are often intensified by uncertainty, disrupted routines, separation from friends and family, and adapting to a new environment.
TRA was created to provide preventive, evidence-informed psychological support that helps teenagers build resilience early, strengthen protective factors, and feel more connected to themselves and those around them.
Rather than focusing on problems alone, the programme helps young people recognise their strengths and develop lifelong emotional skills.
What makes TRA different?
Practical, not theoretical
Teenagers actively participate through discussions, exercises, games and real-life scenarios.
Practical, not theoretical
Teenagers actively participate through discussions, exercises, games and real-life scenarios.
Developed by professionals
The programme is designed and delivered by qualified Ukrainian mental health professionals.
Developed by professionals
The programme is designed and delivered by qualified Ukrainian mental health professionals.
Evidence-informeddination
Activities are based on recognised psychological approaches that promote resilience, emotional regulation and wellbeing.
Evidence-informeddination
Activities are based on recognised psychological approaches that promote resilience, emotional regulation and wellbeing.
Safe and supportive
Participants join small groups where respect, trust and confidentiality are prioritised.
Safe and supportive
Participants join small groups where respect, trust and confidentiality are prioritised.
Family involvement
Parents receive guidance and support to reinforce learning at home.
Family involvement
Parents receive guidance and support to reinforce learning at home.
School partnership
Teachers and mentors receive practical tools to better understand and support participating students.
School partnership
Teachers and mentors receive practical tools to better understand and support participating students.
Programme structure
01
Preparation
Registration
Introductory interviews
Wellbeing questionnaire for teenagers
Parent introduction
02
Programme
Five interactive resilience workshops covering topics such as:
Understanding emotions
Coping with stress
Building confidence
Healthy communication
Values and personal strengths
Between sessions, participants complete simple practical exercises to apply what they have learned.
Additional support includes:
Individual consultations (when needed)
Family consultations (when needed)
Parent workshop
Teacher and mentor workshop
03
Completion
Final wellbeing questionnaire
Parent feedback
Celebration event
Every participant receives a Resilience Toolkit to continue practising their skills beyond the programme.
Programme structure
01
Preparation
Registration
Introductory interviews
Wellbeing questionnaire for teenagers
Parent introduction
02
Programme
Five interactive resilience workshops covering topics such as:
Understanding emotions
Coping with stress
Building confidence
Healthy communication
Values and personal strengths
Between sessions, participants complete simple practical exercises to apply what they have learned.
Additional support includes:
Individual consultations (when needed)
Family consultations (when needed)
Parent workshop
Teacher and mentor workshop
03
Completion
Final wellbeing questionnaire
Parent feedback
Celebration event
Every participant receives a Resilience Toolkit to continue practising their skills beyond the programme.
Programme structure
01
Preparation
Registration
Introductory interviews
Wellbeing questionnaire for teenagers
Parent introduction
02
Programme
Five interactive resilience workshops covering topics such as:
Understanding emotions
Coping with stress
Building confidence
Healthy communication
Values and personal strengths
Between sessions, participants complete simple practical exercises to apply what they have learned.
Additional support includes:
Individual consultations (when needed)
Family consultations (when needed)
Parent workshop
Teacher and mentor workshop
03
Completion
Final wellbeing questionnaire
Parent feedback
Celebration event
Every participant receives a Resilience Toolkit to continue practising their skills beyond the programme.
What teenagers gain
This program helps teenagers improve their communication and relationships by better understanding their emotions and using healthy coping strategies. They will also develop:
Greater self-confidence
Emotional resilience
Stronger communication skills
New friendships and peer support
What teenagers gain
This program helps teenagers improve their communication and relationships by better understanding their emotions and using healthy coping strategies. They will also develop:
Greater self-confidence
Emotional resilience
Stronger communication skills
New friendships and peer support
What teenagers gain
This program helps teenagers improve their communication and relationships by better understanding their emotions and using healthy coping strategies. They will also develop:
Greater self-confidence
Emotional resilience
Stronger communication skills
New friendships and peer support
we work with
Schools, municipalities and community organisations
Why host the Teens Resilience Academy?
Schools and organisations supporting displaced Ukrainian families often see the emotional impact that displacement can have on young people.
TRA offers a structured, preventive programme that complements existing educational and wellbeing initiatives.
Hosting TRA can help:
strengthen student wellbeing
improve emotional resilience
support social inclusion
provide practical tools for teachers
engage parents
connect families with specialised psychological support when needed
The programme is delivered by Ukrainian-speaking psychologists and can be organised directly at your location.
we work with
Schools, municipalities and community organisations
Why host the Teens Resilience Academy?
Schools and organisations supporting displaced Ukrainian families often see the emotional impact that displacement can have on young people.
TRA offers a structured, preventive programme that complements existing educational and wellbeing initiatives.
Hosting TRA can help:
strengthen student wellbeing
improve emotional resilience
support social inclusion
provide practical tools for teachers
engage parents
connect families with specialised psychological support when needed
The programme is delivered by Ukrainian-speaking psychologists and can be organised directly at your location.
we help
Who can participate?
Parents
Looking for emotional support and personal development opportunities for your teenager.
Parents
Looking for emotional support and personal development opportunities for your teenager.
Parents
Looking for emotional support and personal development opportunities for your teenager.
Schools
Interested in hosting the programme for Ukrainian students.ates, explanations, and announcements from the Empatia team.
Schools
Interested in hosting the programme for Ukrainian students.ates, explanations, and announcements from the Empatia team.
Schools
Interested in hosting the programme for Ukrainian students.ates, explanations, and announcements from the Empatia team.
Municipalities
Looking for preventive mental health support for Ukrainian young people.
Municipalities
Looking for preventive mental health support for Ukrainian young people.
Municipalities
Looking for preventive mental health support for Ukrainian young people.
"The information was clear, and additional details were provided quickly and efficiently. Thank you for your valuable work!"
John D.
"Консультації від «Емпатії» допомогли мені зрозуміти, куди рухатися далі, і визначити, чи потрібна мені лише підтримка, чи вже серйозна робота з терапевтом. Я звертаюся сюди вже вдруге й щиро раджу цю можливість іншим. Дуже вдячна за таку підтримку та чудову організацію."
Марія П.
"Я безмежно вдячна Аліні за уважне ставлення до моєї ситуації та до мене як до особистості, за слушні й конкретні поради щодо виходу з кризи та за повні, вичерпні відповіді на всі мої запитання. Коли після розмови з фахівцем ти чітко розумієш, що і як потрібно робити, і знову відчуваєш себе цілісною особистістю — це означає, що поруч була справжня Людина, яка тонко відчуває інших навіть на відстані та знає, як підтримати у складний момент."
Аліна С.
"Компанія «Емпатія» надала мені максимальну підтримку та повністю проінформувала про всі кроки, які потрібно зробити. Її назва повністю виправдовує себе."
Олександр К.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the Empatia Teen Resilience Academy (TRA)?
The Teen Resilience Academy is a structured program that strengthens self-confidence, emotional resilience, and social skills of Ukrainian displaced teenagers. It supports identity development, emotional regulation, and communication, and helps prevent mental health problems.
For which age group is Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) designed?
TRA is designed for Ukrainian displaced youth in two age groups:
12–14 years
14–16 years
Where does the Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) program take place?
The program can be delivered:
At schools
At reception/accommodation locations
At youth centers
At community or social organizations
TRA is organized in places where Ukrainian teenagers study or spend their free time.
How long does the Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) program last?
The program lasts approximately five months and includes:
A preparatory phase
A main program phase
A closing phase
What does the Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) program include?
For teenagers:
5 interactive psycho-educational group sessions
Homework and reflection exercises
Ongoing support between sessions
A Resilience Toolkit for independent use
Support with referral to therapy if needed (no therapy provided by TRA)
For parents:
One psycho-educational workshop
Optional individual conversations and group sessions
Family exercises from the Resilience Toolkit
For teachers and mentors:
Training on trauma-informed and culturally sensitive guidance
Support meetings for mentors
Is Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) therapy or clinical treatment?
No. TRA is a psycho-educational and preventive program, not therapy or diagnosis. If needed, the team can help identify appropriate referral pathways.
Is the Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) program free of charge?
Yes. TRA is completely free for participants and is funded by the Dutch government. All materials, sessions, and guidance are included.
What is needed to organize Teen Resilience Academy (TRA)?
The hosting organization provides:
Space for group and individual sessions
Empatia provides:
Trainers, materials, program structure, and coordination.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the Empatia Teen Resilience Academy (TRA)?
For which age group is Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) designed?
Where does the Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) program take place?
How long does the Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) program last?
What does the Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) program include?
Is Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) therapy or clinical treatment?
Is the Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) program free of charge?
What is needed to organize Teen Resilience Academy (TRA)?
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the Empatia Teen Resilience Academy (TRA)?
The Teen Resilience Academy is a structured program that strengthens self-confidence, emotional resilience, and social skills of Ukrainian displaced teenagers. It supports identity development, emotional regulation, and communication, and helps prevent mental health problems.
For which age group is Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) designed?
TRA is designed for Ukrainian displaced youth in two age groups:
12–14 years
14–16 years
Where does the Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) program take place?
The program can be delivered:
At schools
At reception/accommodation locations
At youth centers
At community or social organizations
TRA is organized in places where Ukrainian teenagers study or spend their free time.
How long does the Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) program last?
The program lasts approximately five months and includes:
A preparatory phase
A main program phase
A closing phase
What does the Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) program include?
For teenagers:
5 interactive psycho-educational group sessions
Homework and reflection exercises
Ongoing support between sessions
A Resilience Toolkit for independent use
Support with referral to therapy if needed (no therapy provided by TRA)
For parents:
One psycho-educational workshop
Optional individual conversations and group sessions
Family exercises from the Resilience Toolkit
For teachers and mentors:
Training on trauma-informed and culturally sensitive guidance
Support meetings for mentors
Is Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) therapy or clinical treatment?
No. TRA is a psycho-educational and preventive program, not therapy or diagnosis. If needed, the team can help identify appropriate referral pathways.
Is the Teen Resilience Academy (TRA) program free of charge?
Yes. TRA is completely free for participants and is funded by the Dutch government. All materials, sessions, and guidance are included.
What is needed to organize Teen Resilience Academy (TRA)?
The hosting organization provides:
Space for group and individual sessions
Empatia provides:
Trainers, materials, program structure, and coordination.
Interested in participating or bringing TRA to your community?
Our team would be happy to discuss how the programme can be organised for your school, municipality or organisation.
Interested in participating or bringing TRA to your community?
Our team would be happy to discuss how the programme can be organised for your school, municipality or organisation.
Interested in participating or bringing TRA to your community?
Our team would be happy to discuss how the programme can be organised for your school, municipality or organisation.