The Strengthening Resilience and Protection of Conflict-Affected Individuals, Communities, and Systems in Central and Eastern Ukraine project aims to address various community needs. We have previously written about our team’s plans to assist institutions providing social services. In addition, the project includes support for communities in preparing strategic recovery plans. What is the role of the Foundation and communities in this process? What challenges do they face, and how will it all unfold? Project coordinator Yana Voloshyna helped clarify these questions.
She explained that the Foundation will work with territorial communities affected by the war and in need of systemic recovery. These include the Derhachivska community (Kharkivska Oblast), the Mykhailivska and Pavlivska communities (Zaporizka Oblast), as well as the Tomakivska and Solonianska communities (Dnipropetrovska Oblast).
“The main role of the humanitarian foundation is to support communities in developing realistic and viable recovery plans. The Foundation provides expert and technical assistance, facilitates data collection and analysis, engages residents in discussions, and helps incorporate standards and best recovery practices,” says Yana Voloshyna. “Our goal is for these plans to be more than just documents, but as real tools for development and resource mobilization.”
The project coordinator emphasizes that all challenges arising from the war must be considered during planning. Communities have suffered infrastructure losses — residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and transportation infrastructure have been destroyed or damaged. The socio-economic decline is also evident, with job losses, reduced incomes, and a lower standard of living. Demographic shifts have occurred as well, including forced displacement, youth outmigration, and a shrinking workforce. It is also crucial to account for psychosocial consequences, such as the need for psychological support, the restoration of social connections, and a sense of security. All of these challenges are further compounded by the financial constraints of local budgets and the difficulty of securing external aid.
“The preparation of recovery plans will involve several key stages, including analyzing the situation and needs — that is, gathering data on destruction, demographics, economic conditions, and social services. This process will involve the community through consultations with residents, local authorities, businesses, and civil society organizations. Next, we will move on to the actual development of the plan, which includes setting priorities, defining goals and actions, and aligning with established standards. The subsequent stage will be presenting the plan for discussion and its official approval by local councils. Moreover, we will continuously monitor implementation progress and adjust the plan as new challenges arise.”
For the Foundation’s team, it is essential that the community plays a central role in the planning process. Therefore, all necessary conditions will be created to ensure broad public engagement at every stage — from assessing needs to decision-making. This will include open meetings, focus groups, and surveys. As a result, the plans will reflect real community priorities and contribute to transparency.
The Strengthening Resilience and Protection of Conflict-Affected Individuals, Communities, and Systems in Central and Eastern Ukraine project is implemented by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” in cooperation with the international humanitarian organization CARE and with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.