The work of specialists in Barvinkove: The power of collective effort

“Cats and dogs are now more than just pets – they try to assist us in our work and do everything possible to help people navigate through challenges,” shares Marina, our social work specialist with years of professional experience, who works in the Kharkiv region.

Since October 2023, Marina has been part of the team at NGO “Responsible Citizens.” As a social work specialist, she joins our mobile group in Barvinkove, Kharkiv region, to assist families with children in need. These are families affected by the war, living in difficult conditions, and unable to overcome their challenges alone. Additionally, Marina works with children and their parents in a Child-Friendly Space, where specialized consultations for parents and stress-relief activities for children are conducted.

For Marina, who holds degrees as a preschool educator and practical psychologist, it’s hard to call this just a job. Marina admits that helping others has always been her calling. She began her career as a rehabilitation teacher at a Social and Domestic Rehabilitation Center, later becoming its director. Unfortunately, the center was closed in 2012. Since then, Marina has continued to work in her field, raising children, mastering new skills, and constantly improving her qualifications.

“I was born, educated, and have lived my entire life in Barvinkove, and every day I’m grateful for the opportunity to be useful and invest my knowledge into working for my native community. I truly enjoy communicating with people and going on mobile brigade trips because these are genuine and heartfelt moments when we see changes that started with small actions but became the impulse and driving force for something greater,” shares Marina.

One of her key observations is the value of pets. They become invaluable helpers, improving people’s well-being and helping children return to normal life after significant losses. As Marina says, she herself is a pet owner, and her four-legged companion helps her recover emotionally.

“But the greatest reward for me has always been the eyes – they honestly and sincerely tell me that we did it. We succeeded. We overcame it. And most importantly, people felt that we overcame these challenges together,” says Marina from Barvinkove, Kharkiv region.

The project in which Marina works is implemented by NGO “Responsible Citizens” in partnership with UNICEF Ukraine and with financial support from USAID.