Emergency aid for people in Ukraine

In 2024, Caritas Austria continued its impactful work in Ukraine, focusing on providing critical support to vulnerable communities affected by ongoing conflict and economic instability. Our efforts this year built on a long-standing commitment to systemic change and capacity building, with a particular emphasis on child protection, education, humanitarian aid, and homecare services.

Key Achievements in 2024:

1. Humanitarian Aid for Conflict-Affected Populations:

• Reached over 10,000 individuals in Eastern Ukraine through targeted interventions.
• Delivered winterization support, including heating supplies, winter clothing, and cash assistance to 3,000 households along the conflict-affected contact line.
• Improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities for 2,500 households, ensuring access to clean water and basic hygiene supplies.

2. Empowering Vulnerable Children and Youth:

• Supported 3,000 children and young people in accessing high-quality education, including life-skills training and inclusive learning opportunities.
• Strengthened family environments for 2,000 vulnerable families through legal aid, parenting workshops, and psycho-social assistance.
• Collaborated with local partners to train educators and implement child protection policies, enhancing safe and inclusive learning spaces.

3. Innovative Homecare and Palliative Care Initiatives:

• Delivered professional homecare and palliative care services to 1,300 elderly individuals in 10 locations across Ukraine.
• Launched a "School of Volunteers" initiative, training over 200 individuals to provide compassionate non-medical care.
• Introduced digital tools for improved case management and service delivery, increasing the efficiency and reach of care programs.

4. Community Resilience and Capacity Building:

• Conducted advocacy and policy development workshops with local NGOs and government stakeholders to strengthen systemic support for vulnerable groups.
• Supported disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures through community-based training programs, increasing preparedness and resilience in crisis-prone regions.

Impact: Through these initiatives, Caritas Austria has fostered greater resilience and self-sufficiency within affected communities, ensuring access to essential services and opportunities for sustainable development. By addressing immediate needs and long-term systemic challenges, we continue supporting Ukraine in building a brighter and more inclusive future.

Looking Ahead: In 2025, Caritas Austria aims to expand its humanitarian and development efforts, focusing on scaling up educational programs, enhancing psychosocial support, and strengthening partnerships with local organizations to ensure sustainable impact.

Together, we remain committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.

Links:

• Info of Caritas Austria support for Ukraine (GER)