Cash assistance to families from Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts
Published: Oct 4, 2024 Reading time: 2 minutes
Treatment, restoration or preparation of documents, ordering orthopaedic shoes or glasses, purchasing furniture or appliances—the basic tasks of any family become a real challenge in areas close to the frontline. Families with many children, single and older people, people with disabilities, and single parents are particularly vulnerable in these areas. In such circumstances, financial support is extremely important, allowing families to manage their funds and prioritise their needs independently.
In Dobropillya in the Donetsk Oblast, where war is commonplace and the sound of shelling is a familiar soundtrack to everyday life, we met Liubov. She lives together with her large family. Her mother and three children are going through a difficult time. They have to overcome the challenges brought by the war on their own.
"I separated from my husband, and we came here to our grandmother's house. We have a small garden, but almost nothing has grown there this year," says Liubov.
Liubov's son, Yevhen, recently turned 7. He draws beautifully and dreams of becoming a firefighter.
Diana, aged 11, helps her mother with the housework and looks after her younger sister, Olha, who is 2.
"I like putting her to bed and going for walks with her," Diana says with a smile.
Because of the war, Diana and Yevhen, like most children in Donetsk Oblast, study online. The children miss face-to-face communication with their peers.
"We have been studying online for four years now. It began with the start of the COVID pandemic, and then the war escalated. But online learning is not learning. I don't want that for my sister, and I miss the offline school very much," Diana admits.
After the war, the children dream of seeing Kyiv and the Carpathians. They have never travelled this far before. However, the social benefits Liubov receives are barely enough to cover their basic needs.
Liubiov’s family will receive financial support as part of our new project. Thanks to the contributions of the Czech people, we will be able to help two hundred vulnerable families from Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts.
The project started in August this year and will last until December. Family members whose applications are documented will receive an average of $400 to $750. These funds will help people buy the most basic needs: food, clothing, medicines and household appliances.
With the money she receives, Liubov will be able to buy a bunk bed for her children, a washing machine and bed linen—essentials for daily life.
Liubov dreams of peace and a return to normal life, as well as the opportunity to give her daughters and son a better future.
