“Responsible Citizens” NGO has implemented the creation of a Resilience Centre in Zaporizhzhia in cooperation with UNICEF, local authorities, and social services

The first Resilience Centre has opened in Zaporizhzhia — a safe space of support for children, youth, and families affected by the war. Its goal is to provide comprehensive assistance to vulnerable populations and to strengthen social cohesion within the community.

The project was implemented with financial support from the Government of Germany through the KfW Development Bank and the UNICEF Office in Ukraine. In partnership with local authorities, social services, and the civic sector, a modern space was created that follows the principles of integrated social services recommended by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine.

“The Resilience Centre offers a range of essential services: psychosocial support, family counselling, activities for children, and case management for those facing difficult life circumstances. Special attention is given to positive parenting, stress adaptation, and strengthening interpersonal connections. We aimed to create a space where every person — child, teenager, or adult — can receive timely help, find stability, and feel that they are not alone,” said Olga Kosse, Head of the Board at “Responsible Citizens”.

The opening of the Centre was attended by UNICEF Representative in Ukraine Munir Mammadzade, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale, UNDP Resident Representative Jaco Cilliers, and Deputy Minister of Social Policy Iryna Postolovska. Their presence highlighted the importance of international solidarity and support for communities living in frontline regions.

The Centre operates as part of the local social protection system and aims to become a sustainable model of assistance that can be scaled to other regions.

Photo by Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration