HELP UKRAINE - Humanitarian relief in Chernivtsi

Over the past months, IBO Italia, in collaboration with the local partner Dobri Liudi Bukovinu and local organizations, has remained steadfast in its mission to support displaced families and vulnerable groups in Ukraine’s Chernivtsi Oblast. Building on previous efforts, we implemented targeted activities to address immediate needs while fostering long-term resilience.

After-school program. A haven for children and teenagers: This autumn, we launched an after-school program in rural schools in Chernivtsi Oblast, utilizing sports as a tool for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). The activities provide children with a structured environment to engage in physical exercise, build social connections, and develop coping skills. In communities with limited recreational activities, the program has become a crucial support system. With many fathers serving on the frontlines and mothers taking on increased responsibilities, the program not only engages children but also eases the burden on parents by offering a safe and nurturing space during extended school hours. Over 200 children aged 10–17 participated, with activities tailored to their developmental needs, including sports, cooking workshops and speech therapy lessons. The afterschool program supported the school integration and socialization of children, both residents and displaced, providing a tangible opportunity for interaction and personal growth.

Winterization. Protecting the vulnerable from harsh winters: As temperatures dropped, we undertook a winterization effort to distribute blankets to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and elderly residents. These blankets, sourced locally to support the Ukrainian economy, have helped over 600 beneficiaries endure freezing conditions aggravated by frequent power outages. We are proud that people thanked for the good quality of the blankets distributed.

Medication vouchers. Ensuring health and wellbeing: To address the financial challenges of accessing healthcare, we distributed 600 medication vouchers to vulnerable people, including children with disabilities, elderly individuals, and displaced families. This initiative ensures critical access to healthcare and alleviates the economic strain on vulnerable households.

Recreational and occupational activities for the elderly: We organized regular activities for over 200 elderly, including art workshops and social gatherings, to combat isolation and foster community ties. These initiatives provided a warm and welcoming environment, enhancing participants' emotional well-being and reducing the psychological toll of the ongoing conflict.

What’s Next? Looking ahead, we aim to sustain and expand these vital initiatives. In particular, continuing the after-school program in 2025 is a priority, as it addresses not only the lack of accessible recreational activities but also the broader social and emotional needs of children growing up amid conflict.

Your continued support can help us ensure these vital programs reach more families in need, offering tools for healing, growth, and resilience.Together, we can create a brighter future for Chernivtsi Oblast's communities.

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.