What you’d like to know about ZOA in Ukraine

The situation in Ukraine is complex. How are the local people doing and what are their greatest needs? Christoph Esrnesti is country representative for ZOA in Ukraine. He answers the 5 most frequently asked questions about Ukraine and provides insight in the current humanitarian situation in the country.

11 July 2023

COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE CHRISTOPH ERNESTI:

'I wish peace for Ukraine'

The fate of the Ukrainians has triggered a wave of willingness to help around the world. Thanks to many generous donations, we were able to provide emergency aid shortly after the start of the war. But the situation is still tense. Christoph Ernesti, ZOA country representative for Ukraine, answers the 5 most frequently asked questions.

1. How are people in Ukraine doing at the moment?

“The reality of life for everyone is overshadowed by the events of war. But there are big differences. ZOA works in Transcarpathia, in the Chernihiv region and in villages near the city of Cherson. Zakarpattia, near the border with Slovakia, is safe and calm. Life goes on as usual. In February last year, the Russians invaded Ukraine via the Chernihiv region. Many family homes were badly damaged there. Finding work is difficult and people here need support. In Cherson, in the very south, many residential buildings and schools have also been destroyed. The city was only liberated a few months ago and still suffers from shelling almost every day.”

2. What kind of humanitarian assistance does ZOA offer in these areas?

“Our humanitarian aid ranges from the distribution of relief goods and food, medical aid and psychosocial care to the creation of shelters and the rehabilitation of houses and living quarters. In the Chernihiv region, for example, ZOA has helped hundreds of families to make their homes ready for winter again. Roofs were repaired, new windows and doors installed. Now the transitional help begins. ZOA supports small businesses with a starting credit plus training to start a new business. We are carrying out this project in close cooperation with an experienced local partner.”

3. How can we ensure that humanitarian aid is distributed fairly and effectively?

“Before ZOA starts a project, we do a needs assessment. We don't just talk to the mayors in the villages, we also set up our own village committees, for example through the churches. They help decide on the distribution of aid so that our help reaches the most vulnerable people. These are often women who live with their children in collective accommodation, older people and people with disabilities. In addition, we stay in close contact with people who receive help throughout the project. Recipients of aid have the opportunity to contact us via a special telephone number and via social media. Two colleagues in Uzhgorod take care of the concerns of our beneficiaries. So far there has been a lot of praise and no serious complaints. Of course, this is also evaluated statistically.”

Een vrouw krijgt hulpgoederen in Oekraïne

4. What do you think about the future of Ukraine?

“Peace does not seem to be in sight yet. The fronts are too hardened for that and the bitterness about the attack and the victims runs deep in the population. I think humanitarian aid will be needed for a longer period of time. Hopefully not as long as in other conflicts - for example in Syria. I'm particularly worried about the psychological consequences. Our surveys have shown that almost 90 per cent of the people in the regions where we operate need mental health support. They often suffer from insomnia and recurrent anxiety.”

5. What can we all do to help?

"Don't forget the people in Ukraine. And support our work with a donation for ZOA."