Ukraine: Vital cash support to internally displaced persons amidst war

To alleviate the burden on these displaced people, the Danish Refugee Council steps in to provide essential support. Valerii, 39, a Cash and Voucher Assistance Assistant at DRC, is an integral part of the team operating in western Ukraine, offering Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) to vulnerable families among the IDPs. Having experienced displacement himself, he empathises with the needs of those receiving assistance.

"I left Kramatorsk [eastern Ukraine] with my family in March 2022, following the escalation. The entire family, including my mother and mother-in-law, had to relocate. Currently, we're renting an apartment in Lviv, hopeful that our property in Kramatorsk remains unharmed. Having worked in a tire fitting salon for 15 years, I possess extensive knowledge of the business. However, amidst the war, I recognised the importance of humanitarian work. I understand the dire situations many people are facing, and I'm glad to contribute to helping them," shares Valery.

Among those receiving financial support from DRC is Anna, a 37-year-old who fled Mariupol after the Russian Federation military offensive launch. Mariupol, subjected to unimaginable bombardment, now lies outside the control of the Ukrainian government.

"I left Mariupol with my children in March 2022. Initially, we stayed with relatives in the Poltava Oblast, and later, we sought refuge in Poland. However, my children expressed a strong desire to attend a Ukrainian school in person rather than online. Hence, we decided to return to Ukraine," explains Anna as she registers for MPCA in Ivano-Frankivsk.

Currently residing with friends, Anna is on the lookout for an apartment in the city. The funds provided by DRC will primarily be allocated to essential needs, as well as catering to the educational requirements of her children, including stationery and other school equipment.

"I aim to secure an apartment and build a life in western Ukraine. We've already secured employment, and I'll be pursuing a career as a hairdresser," adds Anna.

In 2023, DRC extended crucial support to more than 7,000 individuals in western Ukraine through a multipurpose cash assistance program, providing assistance for three months to address their fundamental needs. Additionally, DRC facilitated the education of 885 school-age children by distributing cash for educational purposes in Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Volyn Oblasts. This initiative aimed to ensure access to education and contribute to the overall well-being of the affected communities.