Tetiana Holovenko is a lawyer at the Stabilization Support Services Charity Foundation. Her profession allows her to work in various fields, but she has chosen to focus on the humanitarian sector.
In honor of World Humanitarian Day, celebrated annually on August 19, Tetiana Holovenko spoke about her personal decision to help others, the benefits and challenges of this work, the projects she implements with her team, and her thoughts on the development of the humanitarian sector in Ukraine.
- Tetiana, how long have you been working in the humanitarian field? How did it all begin?
After the full-scale invasion, my life, like that of many others in Ukraine, was divided into before and after. I began to think about how to live in these new circumstances, how I could help my country, how I could be useful to people, and how I could apply my experience and knowledge. The answers to these questions led me to a charity foundation. In May 2023, I began working with the CF SSS, which allowed me to feel needed.
- Why did you choose this work? How does it motivate you?
It has always been important for me to apply my professional skills and experience in a socially useful field where I am not the only one who can feel the result of their application. I believe the motivation in the humanitarian field is simple but very powerful — I understand that many people need help.
- What moment in your work stands out the most to you and why?
I can’t single out one specific event, but I vividly remember my emotions at the beginning of my work at the Foundation. At that time, one of our major humanitarian projects had just been completed, and our team presented its results. We were in shock and awe at how many people the Foundation’s team had been able to help! Hundreds of families and internally displaced persons that have been affected by war, many of whom require additional care due to age or health conditions. After that presentation, I clearly realized the importance of my work and the impact we have in supporting the affected population.
- What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
The most challenging part is always deciding which communities or vulnerable populations need assistance more than others. Of course, I understand that it’s impossible to help everyone, so we have to focus on what we can do and move forward.
- In your opinion, what is the significance of projects like Provision of Lifesaving Winterization, NFI, and Shelter Support to Conflict Affected Populations in Ukraine?
This project is unique because of its flexible approach. Unlike other humanitarian projects where our team focuses on restoring collective centers for displaced people or repairing households, the Provision of Lifesaving Winterization, NFI, and Shelter Support to Conflict Affected Populations in Ukraine project aims at restoring critical and social infrastructure in affected communities.
For example, rebuilding an emergency medical facility or an administrative services center will help many people who rely on them. By “flexible approach,” I mean that in this project, we can not only assist institutions with repair work but also provide building materials for individuals to independently address the consequences of enemy shelling. In my opinion, this component significantly speeds up the assistance process.
- How do you see the future development of the humanitarian sector in Ukraine?
I hope that the future development of Ukraine will not focus solely on the humanitarian sector but will take a comprehensive approach through a national strategy for rebuilding the country and supporting displaced persons. It would be great if each affected community had approved restoration and reconstruction programs for infrastructure with clearly defined priorities and needs. It is crucial that all these programs for Ukraine’s reconstruction and the adaptation of internally displaced persons operate within the legal framework and are enshrined in legislation. I believe that such a structured and transparent approach will contribute to the faster recovery of Ukraine, including with the involvement of international aid.
This publication was prepared as part of the Provision of Lifesaving Winterization, NFI, and Shelter Support to Conflict Affected Populations in Ukraine project, implemented by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” together with the international humanitarian organization CARE with the support of NACHBAR IN NOT.