The JBBBS (Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters) project of the Jewish Community of Dnipro is a space of friendship, communication, and psychological support, where children gain new experiences and learn to trust and open up to the world. Each gathering of the program is not only an interesting leisure activity but also an opportunity to know oneself better, find friends, and take a small step toward one’s own confidence.
This Sunday, the JBBBS participants tried an unusual format of interaction – communication with horses and ponies. Becoming acquainted with the animals, feeding them, the first cautious touches, and, of course, a horseback ride became for the children an occasion to experience new emotions, overcome excitement, and try something they might not have dared to do before.
The result exceeded expectations: some children were able to overcome their own fears and dared to take new steps for themselves. Everyone received positive impressions and experience in communicating with animals. And also – they spent time together, shared news, socialized with friends, and felt the joy of the shared gathering.
“It is important to us that children have a space in which they can take a break from daily anxieties, feel safe, learn to trust, and gain positive experience of interaction. We do not expect that one gathering will resolve all difficulties. But we believe that it is precisely from such moments that important changes begin: a child dares to touch a horse, to sit astride, to try something for the first time, and to feel: ‘I can!’ This is how self-confidence, openness to the world, and readiness to overcome new challenges gradually grow, – says Tatyana Kaplunskaya, director of the JBBBS project.
We sincerely thank the Mustang equestrian club for its hospitality and the opportunity to hold this gathering. Special gratitude to the Jewish communities of Dnipro and Boston and to the Chief Rabbi of Dnipro, Shmuel Kaminezki, for their support of the program, its participants, and the creation of opportunities for children’s development and psychological support.
JBBBS is more than leisure. It is friendship, mutual support, community, and experience that helps children grow. Would you like your child to become part of JBBBS? We invite you to our family! Natalia: 068-480-30-52 (messengers); Yana: 093-356-02-12.”
