A year of solidarity with Ukraine
Published: Jan 29, 2025 Reading time: 4 minutes
2024 was yet another year of severe trials for Ukraine. The war unleashed by Russia continues to cause enormous suffering to millions of people and exacerbate humanitarian needs. Over the past year, escalation has been significant, especially in front-line and border communities, as well as frequent strikes in Kyiv and across the country. We have been adapting to shifting circumstances, delivering humanitarian aid wherever it is needed.
In response to significant evacuation movements in Donetsk Oblast, we took a leadership role in delivering Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) and Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) at the Mezhova and Pavlohrad transition centres. To improve the conditions of evacuated people in the centres, we conducted a rapid multi-sectoral needs assessment in seven other transit centres. We launched procurement of non-food items (NFIs) and works that would make the spaces more comfortable. Additionally, we engaged a local partner, "Angels of Salvation", to provide daily assistance to people at the Pavlohrad transit centre.
We have also launched a grant programme to support the efforts of local civil society organisations (CSOs) providing evacuation assistance to people in front-line communities and CSOs providing services to recently displaced and fleeing the dangerous areas of Sumy, Donetsk and Kherson oblasts. In parallel, we are delivering critical winterisation assistance to collective centres in western Ukraine and expanding this support to other regions.
Since September, we have delivered fuel briquettes directly to the homes of vulnerable individuals in seven oblasts. We are offering cash support for briquette purchases in areas with functioning markets. We also piloted district heating repairs to restore access to heating services and strengthen resilience against harsh winters for thousands of individuals.
"My three children and I were forced to evacuate from Donetsk Oblast because of the shelling. We were accepted in the Lviv Oblast, in a sanatorium that now operates as a collective living centre for internally displaced people. We have an excellent team here; we help each other, and others help us too. I was preparing food for the children, and I looked and saw that these are household appliances and crockery provided by your organisation. The other day, we also received fuel briquettes. Now we will be warm in winter. It is very important that we are supported. We do not feel like strangers and unnecessary here"
Oleksandra Aliieva an internally displaced person from Donetsk Oblast
With over 60% of Ukraine's energy infrastructure damaged, we are providing renewable and backup energy solutions, including solar-powered systems for critical institutions and service providers across eight oblasts. To help communities recover, we continue to repair homes damaged by shelling and rehabilitate water supply systems.
In 2024, our Education Programme repaired and rehabilitated schools, created safe and inclusive learning environments, and supported Digital Learning Centres (DLCs), enabling thousands of students to continue their education online where offline access was limited. We established Temporary Learning Spaces and trained teachers and tutors to deliver catch-up classes for children. Additionally, we supported Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS), providing children with safe environments to learn and play, helping them escape the burdens of war. Our psychologists remain available around the clock to offer support to both children and adults in need.
We support economic recovery and self-sufficiency by providing microgrants to businesses, people facing economic barriers, youth, and veterans. This year, we have also worked with young people, encouraging them to make positive changes in their communities. We have implemented the Young Ambassadors programme, capacity-building training for youth leaders, and mini-grants for community initiatives. We are also supporting the efforts of communities to recover.
We are proud that our partnership portfolio includes over 130 vetted local civil society organisations. Strategic cooperation led to long-term partnerships with 10 organisations and think tanks, including: Assembly of People with Disabilities, LDN, SSS, STAN, Eco-Action, Eco-Club, Divchata, Detector Media, Spilno and CEDOS.
This article summarises the work of our entire team in Ukraine. Beyond the numbers, we continue to highlight the individual stories of the Ukrainians whose lives are represented by these figures. Improving lives and ensuring the well-being of people remains our core mission.
