About the project

For many years, the rehabilitation swimming pool at the Okhmatdyt Polyclinic was not in use. For over 30 years, a space meant to support children’s recovery after treatment remained closed.

As a result, children missed the opportunity for gentle and effective rehabilitation at a time when it mattered the most.

Why this project matters

Water plays a key role in rehabilitation for children after surgery, injury, or with complex developmental conditions.

In water, the body feels lighter, movements become easier, and both physical and emotional tension decrease.

Aquatic rehabilitation helps children regain strength and coordination in a safe, supportive environment.

For many young patients it is not just therapy - it is the first step towards active life.

What we changed

The rehabilitation pool went through a full renovation. The space was repaired, the pool restored, and modern equipment installed to ensure safety, hygiene, and regular use.

With the support of partners, the pool was also equipped with a heat pump for water heating, allowing the water temperature to remain comfortable throughout the year.

Today, the pool is fully operational and is used on a daily basis daily for children’s rehabilitation.

Project sustainability

Another key part of the project was investing in experts.

Rehabilitation doctors working at the pool completed specialized training in pediatric aquatic rehabilitation. The training covered work with different diagnoses, age groups, and emotional needs of children.

For children the working rehab pool means consistent therapy.

For parents it brings stability and peace of mind.

For doctors it allows full focus on helping children recover.

Partnerships

The project became possible thanks to the support of international partners:

• SOS Children’s Villages funded the purchase of a heat pump for water heating.
  

• The Humanity Funds (Seattle, USA) supported the installation of the heat pump.
  

• The Mission Ukraine helped procure professional cleaning equipment and organized staff training together with Kärcher specialists.
  

These partnerships help turn renovated spaces into real, everyday support for children.