Trojan humanitarian efforts when schools become sanctuaries

Like all schools in Ukraine, the secondary is currently closed to face-to-face classes and the staff has evolved from teachers and caretakers of the region’s youth to caregivers for families on the run. The faculty rotate shifts, monitoring and attending to the needs of those who are now staying with them, while still tutoring the children online.

The toilet and shower cabin was sufficient for the needs of the local team two months ago, but cannot meet the needs of 70 people.

The same situation is repeating itself in villages and towns across western Ukraine, where more than seven million people have fled their homes.

They are housed by local communities in gyms, schools, kindergartens, warehouses – anywhere they can provide shelter.

The magnitude of the need is astronomical. If you add the more than four million Ukrainians who have fled the country, the number of people fleeing is now well over double the population of Ireland.

That number is expected to rise, and a million more are expected to flee in the coming weeks as opportunities arise to leave besieged cities in the east and south.

The profile of those displaced within Ukraine also differs from the first wave that sought refuge outside the country.

While many in the first group had resources and relatives in other countries, the IDPs have far fewer.

These include many intergenerational families with young children, elderly relatives and members with chronic illnesses and some with special needs. They have few resources, leaving only what they could carry on their backs. They will not leave Ukraine unless they absolutely have to.

After assessing the situation along the border with neighboring countries and across western Ukraine, Concern is focused on supporting the communities that host people in the country.

We have identified specific needs and are currently sourcing items and preparing an aid convoy in Poland. When ready, it will head to cities in the Ternopil and Khmelnytskyi regions of western Ukraine. The convoy will contain food; Baby items such as baby food, diapers and wipes; toiletries such as soap and detergent; and special kits for people with disabilities.

We also procure washing machines, dryers, and shower and toilet stalls for the informal accommodation centers so that people can live in dignity in these temporary facilities.

Our team will also provide repair and maintenance support for these centers, along with psychosocial support and protection services for vulnerable people. In the coming weeks, we will also expand our support to provide targeted cash payments to families to purchase all the items they need.

Concern is working with other members of the European group of NGOs, Alliance2015, to respond. We are funding a humanitarian relief operation in Lviv with our Alliance2015 partners to provide cash, family household sets (including blankets, bedding and cutlery), hygiene kits and baby kits (including diapers and baby wipes).

We also support local reception facilities and collection centers with items such as mattresses and blankets, washing machines and ovens; assistance with pension payments; plumbing or heating system upgrades; and creating child-friendly spaces.

The response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is only just beginning.

Given the unique nature of the displacement and the damage already wrought in the region, even if the conflict ended today, it would be months – if not years – before those who fled could return home safely.

The scale of Concern’s response is made possible by the generosity of our donors, particularly the Irish public.

Ros O’Sullivan is Concern’s Director of Emergency Operations. To support Concern’s work, visit www.concern.net or support the broader Ukraine response at www.IrelandforUkraine.ie