Multi-sectoral emergency response for Ukrainians in Northwestern Romania and Zakarpattia – Humanitarian project retrospective

Multi-sectoral emergency response for Ukrainians in Northwestern Romania and Zakarpattia – Humanitarian project retrospective

The humanitarian project implemented by HEKS/EPER in the northwestern part of Romania and the Zakarpattia region of Ukraine, funded by Christian Aid through DEC, was completed in August 2023. The project fully met its objectives of ensuring that internally displaced persons from Zakarpattia and Ukrainians residing in Romania can access meaningful support based on safety, dignity and inclusion. Implementation initially focused on providing emergency assistance, transitioning gradually to a survivor-led approach later on.

In total, 23,771 Ukrainians benefitted from this project, in one way or another, from start to end. This impressive outreach showcases the project’s dedication to impacting the lives of as many Ukrainians fleeing the war as possible while helping them build their autonomy and self-reliance.

From September 2022 to April 2023, IDPs and UUTPs in Satu-Mare County and Zakarpattia benefitted from different types of emergency assistance according to their needs: multi-purpose cash assistance, food supplies, non-food items (such as hygiene kits), shelter for vulnerable families as well as information and constant moral and administrative support from the local implementing partner, the Diakonia Christian Foundation Satu-Mare.

Moving forward, from March until the end of May 2023, the flexible grants program offered six local NGOs from Arad, Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Suceava and Iasi the opportunity to access funds that would cover the basic needs of the Ukrainian communities in their local areas, like the need for cash, hot meals, basic essential items, clothes, over-the-counter medicines, accommodation, socialisation, and integration.

The flexible small grants programme was a precursor to the sclr approach (survivor and community-led responses), which, in short, involves shifting the ideation power from the implementing NGO to the local Ukrainian community and supporting them in shaping their humanitarian response according to the needs they identify. The last few months of the project focused solely on this approach, which started in May and ended in August 2023. Building on the relationships established with local NGOs during the FSG program, HEKS/EPER managed to successfully finance and support 25 Ukrainian self-implementing groups in their initiatives as follows:

• A summer camp for Ukrainian children.
• Financial assistance to patients battling cancer.
• Vocal, instrument, and painting lessons.
• Training sessions to enhance both economic and creative prospects.
• 3D design and printing courses for children & distribution of gifts to families in celebration of Children’s Day.
• Ukrainian literature and grammar instruction for children.
• Handcraft sessions for women – creating toys and clothing accessories.
• Macramé crafting techniques.
• Supportive gatherings for mothers aimed at sharing coping strategies for life in a new country.
• Hiking days to foster enjoyment of nature and cultivate new relationships within the local community.
• Sports events with participants from both the host community and newcomers to promote social cohesion.
• Computer skills training to help with employability.
• After-school programs for children.
• Art therapy as a summertime activity.
• Mental health support and rehabilitation initiatives for children.
• Mental well-being through yoga.
• Dessert cooking workshop for children and adults. Football lessons for children.
• Providing legal advice to those who need it.
• Summer camps for girls and boys.
• Indoor activities for all ages to foster a sense of unity.
• Medical and social activities that empower individuals with versatile life skills.
• Group therapy and art therapy (jewellery making).

Thanks to the sclr initiatives, these local Ukrainian communities became more robust and more united, and due to the effective implementation of these projects, they started gaining recognition and visibility. Many have also said that they developed their professional abilities by being put in charge and held accountable for these projects. They had to deal with operational problems in a foreign context (like setting up a bank account, booking a venue, organising an event, procuring the goods needed for their projects etc.), all done with the support of community facilitators and the Romanian host community.  

Overall, the sclr approach benefitted both the host community and the refugees, fostering cross-cultural understanding and creating opportunities for shared experiences. As such, this exchange has not only helped the Ukrainian refugees rebuild their lives but has also strengthened their bonds with the Romanian communities that received them with open arms.

The overwhelming feedback from Ukrainian groups is that they decided to stay in Romania indefinitely or at least until the war ends, which demonstrates a high level of integration and a strong sense of belonging in our country. In this respect, we’re confident the sclr approach has played a crucial role, and we’re committed to continue promoting the empowerment and self-help abilities of the Ukrainians we serve.

To conclude, we’d like to say a warm “Thank you!” to our friends, collaborators and donors, Christian Aid and DEC, who made this project possible by providing the financial and technical resources as well as their tireless, ongoing support. We are also grateful for all our wonderful partners with whom we successfully brought this project to fruition!