In Ukraine, HI's helping hand in the chaos of war

Active at Humanity & Inclusion (HI)'s base in Mykolaiv since February 2024, Kateryna devotes her time and energy to supporting the most vulnerable groups, in particular people with disabilities and survivors of the war in Ukraine. Her mission is clear: to support those who, like Mykola and Lidiia Kobiko, have seen their lives turned upside down by the war. Through her work, Kateryna ensures that everyone affected can access essential services, whether medical care, psychological support or material resources.

It was in May 2024 that Kateryna met the Kobiko couple, after they had been identified by her colleagues. Mykola, the victim of an explosion in December 2023, had lost his arm and suffered multiple physical injuries. As for Lidiia, she bore the physical and psychological scars of the war, with partial hearing loss. Kateryna carried out an assessment of their needs, and it was an important meeting for her, she tells us:  

"When we filled in the admission form, Mykola was so overwhelmed by emotion that he cried a lot. We had to take our time, reassure him and take breaks. But at the same time he kept insisting that we keep going, because he needed everything, all the help he could get."

Careful listening and great empathy were essential in building trust between the couple and the social worker. For Kateryna, her role is to "create a space of trust" so that the beneficiaries can express all their needs, without shame or taboo.

" Psychological support is just as important as material aid . For many people, it's the little things that count: being able to communicate with loved ones thanks to a mobile phone or being able to get around more easily in a wheelchair. These actions are crucial to their reconstruction " stresses Kateryna.

Thanks to HI's support, Mykola and Lidiia have been able to access vital resources: a mobile phone, hearing aids, hygiene products and many other items needed for their daily lives.
Lidiia also received a wheelchair," adds Kateryna:

"This has not only enabled her to regain a degree of independence, but also to break out of her isolation, go for walks and regain a bit of normality in her daily life".

For Kateryna, every interaction with beneficiaries is an opportunity to make a tangible difference to their lives.

"I believe that mutual trust is at the heart of our work. It's not just a question of providing help, but of giving people the opportunity to rebuild their lives, to take their place in society again" , she explains.

Although her work is emotionally demanding, she finds great satisfaction in the words of gratitude she receives from beneficiaries.

"It's not easy to see all that suffering, but it's those moments when you realise that you really have made a difference that motivate you to keep going", she concludes.