Spanish Ambassador highly praises support for families in projects by NGO “Responsible Citizens” in partnership with UNICEF
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Spain to Ukraine, Ricardo López-Aranda Jagu, together with the Head of UNICEF’s Representation in Ukraine, Munir Mamedzade, visited Zaporizhzhia.
The visit highlighted the importance of cooperation between international organizations and local NGOs, particularly “Responsible Citizens,” in providing humanitarian aid to families affected by the war. The delegation explored the activities of the NGO “Responsible Citizens,” which actively supports vulnerable families with children facing challenging circumstances due to the conflict.
Since 2023, in partnership with UNICEF, the organization has established 48 Child-Friendly Spaces across four regions in eastern Ukraine. The Spanish Ambassador and the UNICEF Head visited one such space in Zaporizhzhia, commending its operations. Special attention was given to case management—a systematic approach to supporting families, including needs assessments, coordination with local services, and psychological support.
Representatives of the organization explained how families learn about their activities through social media, partner organizations, and local service recommendations. Psychologists shared insights on the most common requests, such as coping with stress, adapting to new conditions, and supporting emotional well-being. Successful cases included assistance with document restoration and providing educational opportunities for children.
Spanish Ambassador Ricardo López-Aranda Jagu highly praised the organization’s work: “Your NGO truly lives up to its name—you are indeed responsible citizens doing incredibly important work.” He also emphasized Spain’s solidarity with Ukraine in supporting affected communities.
“Partnerships with UNICEF and other international organizations operating under UN standards enable us to create an effective system for supporting families in communities. Local organizations like ours serve as a bridge between international aid and the real needs of people in the most affected regions,” said Olga Kosse, Head of the Board of “Responsible Citizens.”
Collaboration with UNICEF has been key to implementing projects aimed at supporting children and families in the Zaporizhzhia region. The Spanish Ambassador’s visit underscored the importance of such partnerships in building stronger communities and ensuring a dignified life for those affected by the war.
Photo: Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration
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