Welcome to the world of the "Faces of Courage" project,
... a world born from pain, a world of feminine courage and resilience! A profound and emotional world.
"Faces of Courage" is more than a collection of photos and biographies—it is a celebration of human strength and our desire, as the PHONEO Association, to offer hope and support.
---
Helping women is crucial because they are a vital source of stability and resilience, responsible for caring for their families, maintaining social cohesion, and capable of saving dozens or even hundreds of lives, bringing hope for the future even in times of war.
It is a trap to think that we are too small, that we do too little. Every act of kindness, altruism, every helping hand, and every changed thought tips the balance toward a more humane world. We can't help everyone, but what if we help those who have influence, who can, in turn, multiply the good?
With this thought, in the 2023 edition of the "Faces of Courage" project, we focused on the women of Ukraine.
For many, the history of these years is written in blood. It is crucial not to get used to war and evil. Conflicts and human suffering risk becoming just background noise in our lives. They are not just numbers and news but realities that grind and destroy destinies.
In October 2023, we invited 17 women from Ukraine to stay with us for two weeks. The group consisted of unique women, including leaders, doctors, rescuers, volunteers, instructors, military women, artists, therapists, survivors of abuse, cultural figures, activists, journalists, and humanitarian organization workers... mothers.
Their stay with us was intense for both parties. They arrived with heavy emotional baggage, deep wounds, limited resources, and some in deep depression due to the events in their country.
They found a safe and empathetic place where they shared their stories and began the healing process, found support and solidarity in our community, and a refuge in the midst of conflict. Trauma specialists and psychotherapists supported them through group or individual therapies. A period of respite in which they allowed themselves the luxury of caring for themselves and thinking about themselves. A time when they had a voice and were heard.
A wide range of pleasant activities was designed to relax them and make them forget the harsh reality at home: outings in nature, tourist visits, painting and pottery workshops, swimming, horse riding, bowling, massage, sports, music, discussion evenings, photo sessions. In this way, we recreated the lost normalcy of their lives, contributing significantly to the therapeutic process.
---
You may wonder how all this was perceived by them…
"I don't know how to say goodbye... because in war, it's a bad sign to do so. So, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for such an incredible gift of over two weeks. Each of you is very rich in love... I felt it every day. You did almost the impossible during these days. You gave me freedom. It seemed that small things like - being where you want, with whom you want, talking or staying silent when you want - are allowed to anyone, but not in my world. I will not only remain with pleasant memories and beautiful photos but also with a taste of true spiritual freedom. Something in me changed because of you, and I want it to stay that way." (Daria)
"I always said I had three worlds. One is the front line, the world of pain and blood. Another is the world of free military weddings I organize. A gentle celebration... Will this day be the only celebration in the lovers' lives? Will the groom return alive...? The third world, the one with the children of fallen, missing, captured heroes.... Difficult and painful, a world where you face the eyes of little ones still waiting for their father and are happy with the gifts "from daddy"... I hold back my tears and give them to the child... But now I have a new world, for me - a world of strength and care, a world where I finally felt care and support, understanding and warmth. I'm talking about the project and wonderful Romania. Thank you all for this little world, for two weeks of peaceful life, for every day spent in a magical city of a beautiful and hospitable country!" (Olena)
---
All those involved in the project have been transformed by the experience of meeting them.
FACES OF COURAGE is an invitation for you, too, to enter their world... a voice... a plea not to remain indifferent.
The PHONEO Association Team
___________________________
Sincere thanks, CONNEXIO SWITZERLAND without whom this project would not have come to life!