Support for Families and Children Displaced in Kharkiv Region
“We walk this path together with people to restore a sense of stability for families with children who were forced to leave their homes,” says Zhanna Vakulenko, a social worker from Kharkiv.
In the Kharkiv region, our team supports people daily who have been forced to leave their homes due to the war. Most of them are families with children arriving from Vovchansk, Druzhkivka, Derhachi community, and other affected areas.
Social worker of NGO “Responsible Citizens” Zhanna Vakulenko works in temporary accommodation sites and sees daily how important it is to help each child and their parents feel safe and cared for.
For children, our team organizes comprehensive assistance: psychological sessions to reduce anxiety and normalize their state. Equally important is providing a safe space for socialization and new friendships — especially for those who have been studying online since 2020.
Children in need attend speech therapy sessions. First graders participate in mine safety lessons, which are regularly repeated, as this knowledge must be constantly refreshed. Older children attend career guidance sessions to help them choose future professions.
“We are already seeing results: children become more socialized, their psychological state stabilizes, and even their academic performance improves,” shares Zhanna Vakulenko.
Helping adults is equally important. The NGO team advises on obtaining legal statuses, assists in creating resumes to find work, promotes financial literacy, provides parenting support, and accompanies families considering adoption.
NGO “Responsible Citizens” has worked for over 11 years with the most vulnerable groups of the population. We are always close to those forced to leave frontline regions.
Більше новин
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Integrated Support for Families in Kharkiv Region: Case Management, Cash Assistance and Art RehabilitationSince October 2025, Responsible Citizens NGO has been implementing the project “Integrated Multi-Sectoral Support for Vulnerable Families in the Kharkiv Region,” supported by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. The initiative unites partner organisations to deliver coordinated assistance to families affected by the war.
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The “Responsible Citizens” team presented their educational projects at the UNITAR CIFAL Jeju International WorkshopOur educational initiatives became part of the discussion at the workshop "Education Without Borders: Shaping Quality Education for Refugees from Pre-Primary to Tertiary". The event brought together international experts, government representatives, and members of the civil sector to seek solutions in the field of education during crises.
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Assistance for War-Affected Communities in Kharkiv Region: Launch of a Joint Program with JERU PartnersResponsible Citizens NGO is launching a new project in partnership with JERU – a joint initiative of the international organizations Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide. The project is funded by the UHF.
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How to Support Those Nearby: A Humanitarian Discussion at the Kharkiv ForumThe event “Kharkiv Region: The Power of Law in the Fight for Freedom” was held with the support of the project “Human Rights for Ukraine, Phase II,” implemented by UNDP in Ukraine and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Olena Khvatynets, the regional coordinator of projects for the NGO “Responsible Citizens” in the Kharkiv region, participated in the forum.
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In Kryvyi Rih, our team took part in the socio-educational hub “Together for the Child”The event was organized to mark the International Day of the Social Pedagogue, celebrated on October 2.
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Help on the frontlines: what has been done to support those most affectedThe NGO Responsible Citizens, together with our partners organized the implementation of a project to provide financial assistance to those most affected by the war.
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In Brussels, Head of the Board of NGO “Responsible Citizens,” Olga Kosse, participated in presenting the final proposals for Ukraine’s post-war reconstructionThe proposal package from civil society representatives is the result of over six months of research conducted by the Center for Social and Labor Relations, support...
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Developing partnerships to support families with children“Responsible Citizens” NGO is launching cooperation with the Zmiiv community in Kharkiv region to strengthen assistance for families facing difficult life circumstances — both local residents and internally displaced families.