“No longer disabled”: how flexible assistance changed a child’s life
“War, danger, and the confusion of not knowing what to do. It’s terrifying. You can’t leave anyone behind — and you can’t stay either. One child — one suitcase. Ten children — ten suitcases,” recalls foster father Hennadii.
At a critical moment, a family from Donetsk region made a difficult but necessary decision — to evacuate. This coincided with the opportunity to join the program “Local, inclusive and multi-sectoral emergency assistance for war-affected populations in Ukraine,” implemented by NGO Responsible Citizens in partnership with Mercy Corps and with funding from the UK Government.
The financial assistance they received was more than just support — it was a real solution in a moment of crisis. It allowed the family to quickly relocate to a safer place, cover their basic needs and — most importantly — pay for a surgery that helped their child regain hearing.
“This means Maksym is no longer considered disabled. And above all, you realize you’re not alone — you’re supported. And that means the world,” says foster mother Liudmyla.
In projects like this, families choose for themselves what matters most right now. That is the core of effective humanitarian assistance: flexibility, trust, humanity, and dignity.
Більше новин
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Education in emergencies: experience shaping the futureThe coordinator of educational projects at the NGO "Responsible Citizens," Olena Bielolipetseva, participated in a three-day training session on "Education in Emergencies" held in Kyiv.
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Completion of training cycle for educators and social protection workersAfter over eight months of intensive effort, a comprehensive training cycle consisting of 30 sessions has been successfully completed, with a total of 1,481 partici...
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Evacuation, Care, New Beginnings: A Donetsk Family Builds a Future with NGO SupportIn the spring of 2025, they became participants in the program "Local, Inclusive, and Comprehensive Emergency Assistance to the Population Affected by the War in Ukraine," implemented by the NGO "Responsible Citizens" in partnership with Mercy Corps and with financial support from the UK Government.
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Helping safely: a new level of humanitarian responsibilityGenuine motivation is only the first step. Real responsibility begins with understanding how to provide assistance in a way that is safe — for children, for families, and for everyone involved This was the focus of the Safeguarding training attended by representatives of Responsible Citizens NGO, supported by UNICEF Ukraine.
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When strategy works: how communication becomes a driver of changeHow do you make sure a strategy doesn’t just sit on paper but actually works — inspires, unites, and leads forward? How do you build a dialogue with media, partners...
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Project manager at “Responsible Citizens” NGO receives International Award for Cultural DiplomacyThe award was initiated by the NGO "Grants, Ratings and Nominations" in collaboration with an expert council. It honors individuals and organizations that foster international dialogue and promote a positive image of Ukraine abroad.
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Aid that changed the life of a family from Druzhkivka: Arina’s storyArina from Druzhkivka, Donetsk region, shares her story of how the financial assistance provided by the NGO “Responsible Citizens” became a lifesaving s...
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Strengthening expertise in the field of protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA)Oksana Ivatina, Project Coordinator of the NGO “Responsible Citizens,” completed a Training of Trainers on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).