Ukraine: Upholding the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable citizens living with the effects of conflict and poverty

The average life expectancy for men in Ukraine is only 66 years, and those who make it to old age often live in poverty. Despite recent investment in community safety nets, a long history of lacking social benefits continues to haunt the country.

Pensions are so low that many resort to hard labour on the street. And while the agricultural sector suffers a crisis due to blockades of ports and borders, vast plains of fertile land remain unused due to contamination by landmines or occupation.

Ukraine gained independence in 1991, yet politics have remained unstable for decades. Escalating violence between Russian-backed rebels and the military has led to a protracted crisis in eastern Ukraine.

After full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, the number of IDPs has increased from 1.3 million to 4.9 million people since 2014. Because of the closure of the plant and businesses were closed or occupied, many people lost their jobs.

Population

Ukraine has a population of 37.9 million people

Poverty

Around 9 million people are living below the poverty line

Our Reach

In 2023 59,242 people took part in our programmes

What we do in Ukraine

Overview

The aim of our Ukraine programme is to ensure the improved wellbeing and resilience of vulnerable groups - such as IDPs, orphans and the country's large older population. Dorcas has been actively responding to the Ukrainian crisis since 2014. We provide emergency relief, psychosocial support and sustainable livelihoods opportunities to isolated communities in the East of Ukraine - and beyond.

Dorcas was the lead partner of the Dutch Relief Alliance's Ukraine Joint Response (2014-2019). Watch this video to learn more about our work at the height of the conflict.

Safety Nets for older people

We set up community networks and safe spaces for older people to ensure they are included in the delivery of vital services and psychosocial support. Our activities see youth, churches and local authorities lead peer-to-peer support sessions and home-based care activities - especially targeted at elderly women and people with disabilities. Food parcels and hygiene kits are also provided.

Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Our entrepreneurial skills training and business start-up support programmes help IDPs and affected people develop careers in the beauty, IT, culinary, textile and agricultural industries. Single mothers, members of large families, people supporting a relative with a disability and other marginalised groups change their lives. They become independent and gain a sustainable livelihood by learning a new profession.

Humanitarian Assistance

We deliver vital humanitarian assistance to IDPs and vulnerable families living close to the contact line. This includes the provision of cash for food and heating so that basic household needs are met. We also provide essential non-food items kits for people with a disability and people who lost their homes.

Recovery

We conduct light repairs for households to ensure improved living conditions. This intervention addresses the immediate needs of affected families and promotes a sense of security in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Mental health and psychosocial support

We provide psychological first aid, case management, group-based psychosocial support for adults and children, and individual counselling to people in rural communities to address risks to their physical safety and well-being.

Family Protection

We try to break the cycle of poverty - particularly among marginalised groups - and reduce the risk of abuse, by offering life skills and financial literacy training to teenagers and youth. Parents and caregivers are not exempt - we organise group forums on topics such as stress reduction, positive parenting and financial management where adults can speak freely and identify solutions.

Dorcas response to crisis in Ukraine

Dorcas is deeply concerned about the unfolding crisis in Ukraine. CEO Leo Visser states (24 February 22) : “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a terrible fact today. It is one of those moments in history that we will remember for a long time. We fervently hoped and prayed that it would not come to this. Many people will experience the consequences of this terrible war. As Dorcas we will do everything possible to support them.”

Follow our updates on the crisis in Ukraine and Dorcas' response.

Meet our Country Director…

Ferenc Katko - Country Director Ukraine

"In Ukraine, Dorcas has two localisation strategies at work to ensure our work has lasting impact. Firstly, our long history of collaboration with local churches means we are constantly able to invest in diaconal work that best serves the people. We also work closely with local authorities and other multi-stakeholder partners in a bid to bring systems change to the local level and empower communities to address problems of marginalisation and social exclusion. As you can see, both rest on the power of partnership. This is the only way that we can safeguard our effectiveness."