The Foundation’s team frequently visits frontline communities to identify their most pressing needs and how our Foundation can support them. Each visit is very important to us, as we were once again reminded during our conversation with Anna Borysova, Director for Humanitarian Programs. She recently visited Kharkivska Oblast as part of the Strengthening Resilience and Protection of Conflict-Affected Individuals, Communities, and Systems in Central and Eastern Ukraine project.
— Anna, we saw your social media post about this trip, and it seemed to make a strong impression on you. Could you share what exactly moved you?
— The farther east you go from Kyiv, the more deeply you feel the war. The contrasts are striking. In some settlements, nearly every building is destroyed or damaged. For example, in the long-occupied Iziumska community, there are virtually no intact homes left. The same can be said for the Derhachivska community, located just ten kilometers from the border. We saw an incredible amount of destroyed infrastructure there. And, of course, everyone knows about the damage in Kharkiv.
— Despite such devastation, people continue to live in these cities and villages. How does that affect daily life?
— Yes, of course. Even cities and villages have suffered damage and destruction, life goes on, albeit with difficulty. Children are studying — mostly online — but there are also offline spaces where teachers help them catch up on the curriculum, and create environments for in-person interaction and engagement. Many young people remain in these communities — they aren’t leaving. And these young people are looking for places to meet, collaborate, and start youth initiatives.
– So, despite everything, communities are trying to create hubs for creativity and cooperation?
– Yes, and that is what inspires me! Honestly, the local residents — both youth and adults — understand that a community needs a “heart.” We see how people, despite broken windows and the threat of shelling, are willing to work in tough conditions to make life around them even a little better. They are looking for ways to create safe spaces, youth clubs, and local hubs, and we want to support them in that.
– Tell us more about what’s planned under the project.
We will help establish multifunctional spaces in five communities—two in Zaporizka Oblast, two in Dnipropetrovska Oblast, and the aforementioned Derhachivska community in Kharkivska Oblast. These spaces will be hubs where people can come, spend time, learn something new, or discuss shared ideas. It won’t just be about entertainment—these spaces will also offer opportunities to develop new skills and collectively solve local problems.
– You mentioned broken windows and destroyed buildings. How do people even survive under such conditions?
– Very often, windows are covered with particleboard or other temporary materials, which is like putting a bandage on a massive wound. But communities don’t give up and continue to make repairs when possible. All of this is a testament to the strong spirit of the people. Even if a town or village is half-destroyed, it still breathes, it still functions, because there are people there who value their home and are striving for recovery. They desperately need support — and we will continue to provide it.
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.
