Today marks the three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is a truly sombre moment, as we reflect on the immense suffering and trauma so many children and families have experienced.
This war is reshaping not only the future of Ukraine, but also the global order. At this point none of us know what the outcomes and ramifications of this conflict may be.
But as the fighting enters its fourth year, the one thing we can be certain of is the enduring resilience of the Ukrainian people and those who support them.
Despite the ordeals, the fear and the heartbreaking losses they have had to face, people from all walks of life have courageously stepped up to face the challenge of the moment, in service of causes that are so much bigger than any single person: the causes of freedom, family, safety and community. These are the same causes that we hold so dear at Hope and Homes for Children too.
We want to take this moment to acknowledge the huge sacrifices that so many families have made, and pay tribute to the incredible dedication and courage that we have seen the people of Ukraine display, day-in and day-out.
Our work in the region
For the last three years, Home and Homes for Children’s staff and partners have been on the ground in Ukraine, Romania and Moldova, helping shattered families to get the essential support they need to survive and rebuild their lives.
From providing food packages and baby supplies, to sourcing counselling and creating foster families, our teams in Moldova, Romania and Ukraine itself have worked tirelessly to support people in Ukraine who been caught up in this conflict, and those forced to pack up their lives and flee to safety in other countries.
To date across the three countries, our teams have been able to support 84,855 children and 70,465 adults whose lives have been thrown into chaos by this war.
Supporting in Ukraine
Our teams in Ukraine are incredible. They have witnessed atrocities, experienced trauma, had their everyday lives turned upside down and faced huge personal risk – yet their determination to help others has never wavered.
From running a Miracle Bus service that allows children whose lives have been thrown into turmoil to enjoy the simple childhood joys of play, happiness and laughter, to providing solace and support to those who have lost loved ones, their commitment to supporting children and their families is truly inspiring.
It is only thanks to their dedication, professionalism and bravery that over the last three years in Ukraine we have been able to:
- Provide in-depth support and prevention services for 15,656 children in 7,858 families in.
- Support 288 children evacuated from orphanages due to the war to stay in families rather than be placed in institutions.
- Set up 28 mobile teams, which have given support to 26,888 children in 17,379 families.
- Establish 11 counselling points – providing assistance to 18,317 children and their families.
- Create 13 sites for families with young children to take classes with local support services – helping 8,900 children.
- Train 380 people as candidates to become foster carers or guardians.
- Train 1,790 professionals and giving 307 social workers support through supervision.
We’d particularly like to thank UBS Optimus Foundation, UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, World Childhood Foundation, European Commission, UNICEF, Save the Children and Zurich Insurance who, alongside our incredible supporters, have made this work possible.
Of course, these numbers can’t adequately express each of the individual personal stories that lie behind them. Nothing truly can. But for as long as this conflict continues, and as long as our support is needed, we’ll continue to be there for the children and families who need us.
If you’d like to make a gift to support our work getting children in Ukraine and around the world Back to Family, please donate today.
