Ukraine – Ongoing Activities of the “SAFE-UKR” Project Supporting War-Affected Populations

17 April 2025
Ukraine – Ongoing Activities of the “SAFE-UKR” Project Supporting War-Affected Populations

(ANS – Kyiv) – The “SAFE-UKR: Support and Assistance for Families in Emergency in Ukraine” project, launched in February 2024, continues to provide rapid and effective aid to populations affected by the ongoing conflict. The project is active in the regions of Dnipropetrovska, Donetska, and Zaporizka, which are strategically located near the front lines. It is carried out through a collaborative network including the Salesian NGO International Volunteer Service for Development (VIS), international NGOs AVSI and CUAMM, local partners Step In and Genofund for the Future, and the local Salesians themselves. Funding for the initiative is provided by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

The goal of “SAFE-UKR” is to deliver multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance to more than 31,000 people, including internally displaced persons and local residents. This includes access to integrated health and education services, as well as the distribution of essential goods.

Here are some recent updates on project activities over the past few months:

Health

  • CUAMM supplied medicines and healthcare materials to 11 health facilities in the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions, reaching over 26,000 beneficiaries.
  • The Salesians of Don Bosco, along with collaborators, distributed 4,570 food kits and 600 non-food kits (including sleeping bags, power banks, thermal clothing, flashlights, etc.) in frontline areas. Special attention was given to families with high vulnerability and little to no access to other NGO support.
  • VIS contributed through its Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) team. Operating in 45 selected facilities (in cooperation with local authorities), the team assisted more than 3,000 people, showing strong community engagement and effectiveness.
  • STEP-IN’s two Mobile Medical Teams (MMTs), each consisting of a doctor, nurse, receptionist, and lab technician, delivered essential medical supplies and services to pre-identified locations. These teams provided healthcare to over 7,000 people. Using available diagnostic tools, doctors created personalized treatment plans, educated patients, and referred complex cases to higher-level facilities.

Education

  • Thanks to AVSI and GENOFUND, four Temporary Learning Centers were established in Dnipropetrovsk region, supporting over 2,000 children through educational materials and psychosocial support activities.
  • The two partners also conducted mine and explosive ordnance risk-awareness events for about 4,000 people in shelters managed by AVSI and GENOFUND, as well as those served by mobile teams from STEP-IN and VIS.

Even though the project has already met all of its planned indicators, all teams continue working on the ground to maintain high-quality service. After three years of war, the commitment to supporting the most impacted regions remains unwavering.

Source: VIS

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".

Further Information