Ukraine
In a newly LWF restored underground classroom of Mykola-Komyshuvata school, in Berestyn district of Kharkiv oblast, students share their dreams during an MHPSS session. As a result, 240 students have access to safe and Inclusive in-person learning spaces.
LWF Ukraine, established in 2022, began its humanitarian work in Chernihiv Oblast before shifting its focus to Kharkiv in 2023. The main focus areas are shelter repair, winterization, school rehabilitation, protection services, mental health and psychosocial support, and livelihood development. With the main field office in Kharkiv and a coordination office in Kyiv, LWF Ukraine is offering comprehensive support to communities affected by the conflict
LWF Ukraine coordinates and works closely with the Government of Ukraine, local authorities, LWF member church (GELCU), ACT Alliance members, civil society organizations, UN agencies, local NGOs and other relevant actors.
Amid shrinking humanitarian funding and growing humanitarian and development needs in Ukraine, LWF will realign its priorities, focusing on shelter repair, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and safe, inclusive education for children displaced and affected by the war. Depending on the availability of resources, supplementary programs—such as winterization, livelihood recovery, and multipurpose cash assistance (MPCA), will be incorporated.
“Today, the people of Kharkiv are in dire need of support—especially psychological and moral. It’s vital they feel they are not alone. Yet, each attack brings new stress, destruction, and shattered windows. With the rainy season and summer approaching, swift repairs are essential. There is an urgent need for this kind of assistance. I sincerely thank LWF for the comprehensive help it has provided to the people of Kharkiv and for its continued cooperation.”
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Local voices, local actions
In 2014, Yevgeniya Gennadievna and her family had to flee their beloved Donetsk. Their home, nearby Donetsk airport, was destroyed amid fierce hostilities. Besides their damaged home, their sense of community safety and peace collapsed. But one thing remained intact: hope.
The family moved to Blyznyukivska community in the Kharkiv region, the place of her parents-in law. It became the place where a new life began: not easy but filled with kindness and support. "In Donetsk, I taught at the university. Now, as an economics teacher, working in the Department of Education, she is teaching financial literacy and the basics of Artificial Intelligence. I am also a mother. My son is in the fourth grade, loves his clubs and art school, where he can simply be a child, be happy, play and enjoy life," Yevheniia shares.
Yevgeniya Gennadievna with her son
‘Home is not just made of bricks and walls; it is the place where you are understood’,
She is truly thankful to the community and to everyone who supported her family during these challenging times. LWF Ukraine played a key role for people in Blyznyuky and internally displaced people, launching initiatives, including psychosocial support, educational and recreational opportunities for children, and livelihood assistance for vulnerable families.
‘It gives strength in knowing you are not alone, that someone out there, cares and is willing to help. Because of such initiatives, my child will remember joy, not fear. And I have found more strength to keep moving on,” says Yevheniia.
"Since 2022, millions of children, women, and men have endured relentless attacks on their homes, disruptions to education, restricted access to essential services, and the loss of income. The Kharkiv region, and especially Kharkiv city, continues to suffer from daily bombardments and shifting frontlines. From the outset, LWF Ukraine and its partners have remained committed to supporting the most vulnerable—saving lives, reducing suffering, and offering hope for a better future.”
Jobs
LWF World Service is regularly looking for new staff to work in the field. A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. Our work is people-centred and community-based.
Contact
Susan Muis, Regional Program Coordinator (Geneva)
Email: [email protected]
Barnabás Szatmari, LWF Country Representative (Ukraine)
Email: [email protected]
Country Office
Bohdana Khmelnytskoho St. 30/10, apt. 14
Kyiv, 01054
Field Office
43, Sumska street
Kharkiv, 61000
Partners
- ACT Alliance
- ACT Church of Sweden
- Anglican Overseas Aid
- Australian Lutheran World Service
- Canadian Lutheran World Relief
- Christian World Service New Zealand
- DAA - Diakonie ACT Austria
- Episcopal Relief & Development
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria
- Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission
- German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ukraine
- I Am Saved
- Icelandic Church Aid
- NiN - Neighbour in Need
- Relief Coordination Center
- Spilna Sprava Dlia Liudei
- United Church of Christ, USA
- United Nation's Children Fund (UNICEF)
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- World Neighbours