Seven months after the war began in Ukraine, it is clearer than ever that the threat and crisis will be long-lasting, and that the support needs of those impacted will not lessen for many years to come. Thanks to the support of donors in the UK and around the world, SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine has successfully expanded its Emergency Response programmes to meet the urgent need of those affected by the war.
SOS Children’s Villages Impact in Ukraine
As of September 2022, the total number of programme participants in Ukraine had grown to 132,987, 94% of whom have received humanitarian assistance.
Of the programme participants, 55% have been children (28% girls, 27% boys), and 29% have been adult women, with men making up 12% of the total. Additionally, 58,000 are indirect beneficiaries including family members and beneficiaries of advocacy efforts across the country.
Through tireless hard work, the SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine team has consistently increased the number of people they’ve been able to support each month since the war began, offering a diverse range of emergency response activities and tailored support programmes to children and families.
The Ongoing Emergency in Ukraine
Fighting continues in the East and South of Ukraine, whilst shelling and airstrikes are being reported daily throughout the country, further intensifying in early October. This renewed level of shelling has significantly impacted Ukraine’s energy systems, with 30% of the country’s energy infrastructure impacted.
Pressure on the power grid deprives children of schooling, puts patients at risk in hospital, and has left 773,000 households and businesses without power. This puts the most vulnerable children at even greater risk and adds significant pressure to families who have already experienced the most serious trauma.
Nearly 7 million Ukrainians are estimated to be internally displaced, with a further 7.7 million currently living as refugees in neighbouring countries. Host communities’ capacities are overstretched, and there is a shortage of accommodation in collective centres, even for the most vulnerable populations.
The impact on children continues to worsen, with 3.6 million impacted by school closures and 5.7 million school-aged children impacted since the start of the war.
SOS Ukraine’s Emergency Response Solutions
In spite of the situation, SOS Ukraine continues to respond to the humanitarian crisis, and to expand its activities to meet both the immediate and long-term needs of children and families.
- Humanitarian Assistance: Through a group of ten implementing partners, SOS Ukraine has been able to reach 38,000 people with humanitarian assistance, including food and hygiene kits and NFI distribution, followed by humanitarian case management.
- Cash and Voucher Assistance: A further 14,400 vulnerable people have been supported through cash and voucher assistance, with a particular focus on additional support for foster and kinship care families. This support allows families to purchase essentials such as food and clothes with dignity and without worry.
- Safe and Accessible Support: Five new Centres of Social Services are working in safe areas of Western and Central Ukraine. These centres provide short-term humanitarian assistance, including cash and voucher assistance, providing essential supplies, and offering mental health support. Demand for support from these centres increases each month.
Mental Health Support for Children
The impact of war will continue to be felt for many years to come, and it is essential that the children who have been impacted by this trauma are supported properly, in order to mitigate its effects as much as possible.
It is essential that children continue to be allowed to be children, giving them some respite from the horror of war.
SOS Children’s Villages Summer Camps are one way in which SOS Ukraine is working to protect and support the mental health and wellbeing of the children. The 14-day programme is aimed at psychological support, rehabilitation, rest and recovery for children who have been affected by the war.
During the summer camps, children can take place in creative workshops, educational activities and sports and recreational activities to help relieve stress and build connection.
The camps create a positive space where children and caregivers can enjoy themselves, away from the fear and trauma of conflict, supported by trained professionals who work closely with each child to best support their individual needs.
