HELP UKRAINE - Humanitarian relief in Chernivtsi

This summer, IBO Italia, in collaboration with local partners, significantly expanded its support efforts in Chernivtsi Oblast, benefiting both local communities and displaced families.

In addition to the ongoing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programs for children, adults, and the elderly, as well as food kit distribution and hygiene voucher initiatives, we launched several new activities designed to create meaningful opportunities for children and adults to heal, grow, and thrive.

Summer Camp: A Safe Haven for Families From July to September, we organized a summer camp offering safe spaces for children and their parents to relax and express themselves freely. These camps served as a vital outlet for emotional and social connection through activities such as sports, art therapy, music, wilderness games, and field trips. Tailored to specific age groups, these activities fostered healthy relationships and built lasting bonds among participants. The camp also provided dedicated spaces for parents—primarily mothers, given the current conflict in Ukraine and the presence of men on the frontline—to focus on their mental health and well-being while their children participated in structured activities.

Inclusive Theater Workshop: Empowering Emotional Expression. At the end of August, together with experts' from Italy, we held an inclusive theater workshop using the Cosquillas Theatre Methodology, a therapeutic tool for emotional and narrative processing. Children with disabilities and their families worked together to explore themes of empathy and emotional expression through theater. The workshop began with sessions for parents, allowing them to express their own emotions and experiences in a supportive environment in which they were allowed to be vulnerable. In the following days, children and parents collaborated to create an emotionally charged theater piece, culminating in a public performance that celebrated their growth and resilience. This unique experience provided families with valuable tools for emotional healing and connection.

After-School Programs: Supporting Learning and Well-Being With the start of the school year in September, we launched an after-school program in several schools throughout Chernivtsi Oblast. The program includes a range of activities, from cooking classes to English lessons, designed to engage children in educational and creative pursuits while promoting their physical and mental well-being. By offering structured after-school activities within the school environment, we provide a stable, supportive space for children to learn, grow, and flourish despite the ongoing challenges.

What’s Next? As we look ahead, our focus will be on expanding these critical programs to reach even more families in need. Continued funding will allow us to sustain the summer camp and after-school initiatives, and to increase our support to the population of Chernivtsi Oblast and the internally displaced people housed in the communities across the region.

This time we greet you with the words of Giulia, the new project manager for IBO Italia in Ukraine. Giulia arrived in Ukraine at the beginning of April to support our local partner with the humanitarian aid activities.

“I have always been passionate about humanitarian work, and witnessing the immense needs and dire circumstances of people in Ukraine has driven me to take action. IBO Italia has been dedicated to this mission since the full escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.

When I first arrived in Ukraine, I didn't know what to expect. The media often highlights the Eastern frontlines, but even in areas far from the front, the war’s impact is deeply felt. Here, the brutal violence may not be visible, but the emotional and economic toll is immense.

Families are divided, with loved ones fighting or lost, and many people have been forced to flee their homes, struggling to rebuild their lives. The war has left behind empty storefronts and shuttered businesses, affecting the entire community. Wherever you may be, in a small village or in a large city, you will always find a memorial of the soldiers from the town that have died since the beginning of the war, a chance for people to remember and pay their tributes by bringing fresh flowers and candles.

During a visit to Kyiv, I witnessed a different atmosphere. The city is vibrant, with open restaurants and coffee shops filled with people. Yet, at any moment, the sound of a siren can shift the mood, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict.

One poignant moment of my first period was visiting a school where we conduct Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities for children and teenagers. Inside the school, a memorial served as a stark reminder of the war’s pervasive presence in every aspect of life in Ukraine, regardless of where you are in the country and how it can never be forgotten. This underlines the importance of providing children with safe spaces to express themselves and enjoy moments of childhood. Our MHPSS sessions offer this through sports, cooking, and speech therapy, giving kids a vital outlet.

In Chernivtsi and surrounding rural communities, our support extends beyond psychological care. We distribute food to families of internally displaced people and local families facing food insecurity. We also provide vouchers for hygiene products, targeting large families and single-income households where women are the sole providers, as their partners are either fighting or have tragically lost their lives. The high demand during our distributions highlights the critical need for this type of support. Furthermore, we support people in accessing healthcare by providing screening packages and in the winter months we support newly arrived IDPs with fundamental items needed to survive the rigid winter months.”

Thank to Giulia for her time and valuable support.

And thank to you! Your contribution can make a significant difference. By donating, you help us continue these essential services and expand our reach to support even more families in need. Together, we can provide hope and stability to those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.