Successful Pilots in Finland and Latvia: Creating beautiful moments through our prototypes

Text: Ryann Deloso

In May 2025, the KidsLikeUs project took a step forward by piloting its prototypes in two events, one in Tampere, Finland, and the other in Riga, Latvia. These pilots, held in collaboration with local organizations, were designed to test tools that help staff improve their work with children, especially those with psychological traumas.

At the Ukrainian House in Tampere, six children and eight adults explored five different prototypes, including a Sensory Accessibility App, Virtual Relaxation tools, and the standout favorite: the Music Cushion with self-love affirmations. “The affirmations were beautiful and so relevant,” one adult commented. Children were visibly comforted by the soft sounds and positive messages, while the music cushion became a shared experience when played through speakers, allowing families to connect over a simple, uplifting moment.

The Breathing Light and Sensory App also received positive reactions. Children used them with parental support, while staff appreciated their potential. The VR Relaxation tools were a particular hit, with children excitedly asking to repeat them and parents noting the calming effects. Some parents, especially fathers, took the opportunity to reflect on their lives amid war, sharing how the event helped their children smile and learn, even if only for a short while.

Just days later, at the Riga Children and Youth Mental Health Center, 12 children and five adults joined the event. The Emoji Digital Game emerged as a favorite, sparking smiles and connection across language barriers. One child said the Virtual Relaxation activity helped ease her anxiety, a testament to the emotional power of these tools.

Even those who were shy or hesitant found comfort in watching others, and the presence of a supportive mother brought a sense of calm to the day. Staff praised the event’s value, noting how these tools could be powerful assets in their work with children.

The events brought some valuable insights for further improvement of the prototypes, but overall feedback was positive. A staff member expressed it best:

“The children enjoyed the breathing exercises, games for recognizing emotions, and meditation techniques. It was a pleasant collaboration with good results.”  

These two successful pilot events highlight the value of cross-border collaboration in developing solutions that are both adaptable and inclusive. While there is still work ahead, the positive feedback from children, parents, and staff shows that our project is already making a meaningful difference.

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