Empowered by Cash and Livelihood
How World Vision’s Support Transformed Maryna’s Life in Mykolaiv
As winter's grip begins to loosen across Ukraine, many families reflect on the months of freezing temperatures, the struggle to cope with rising heating costs, and the disruptions to education and livelihoods caused by this year's harsh winter conditions.
“I feel so lost with the arrival of winter,” shares Maryna, a mother from Mykolaiv. “Even with minimal heating, the bills are astronomical. Adding electricity costs makes everything unbearable.”
Mykolaiv region, southern Ukraine, situated about 60 kilometres from the frontline, continues to experience critical humanitarian needs: people face difficulties in covering essential winter expenses, with many unable to afford basic necessities such as heating, water, or medical care. The ongoing conflict, frequent power outages, and economic instability have compounded these challenges, leaving vulnerable families in a state of persistent crisis.
“I can’t find work because I have no one to watch the children, and working night shifts is too dangerous — especially with the constant threat of missile strikes on workplaces in our region.”
Her voice trembles as she recounts her fears: “Every time I’m away and hear the air raid siren, I worry about my children at home. I cannot leave them alone. That’s why I was so grateful when I learned about the cash support programme from World Vision.”
Maryna shares her life story and future plans over hot tea, a comforting way to stay warm during the power outage.
Maryna shares her life story and future plans over hot tea, a comforting way to stay warm during the power outage.
The Impact of World Vision's Cash Support
As part of the “Support for Protection, Recovery through Economic Opportunity, and Mental Health Services in Ukraine (SPROUT)” initiative, supported by Aktion Deutschland Hilft, a total of 1,275 individuals in Mykolaiv region received vital cash assistance. This support was designed to meet their most pressing needs—covering essentials such as food, medicine, household items, winter costs and other critical resources necessary for daily survival. In total, US$328,000 was distributed to help families withstand the ongoing hardships.
The cash assistance allowed Maryna to buy essential supplies, alleviating some of her daily struggles.
She recalls, “The cash that we received helped us buy around 20 cubic metres of firewood, which will keep us warm for at least two and a half months. That’s a huge relief — it means my children will stay warm during the coldest part of winter.”
During a power outage in Mykolaiv, compounded by a shortage of drinking water, even the simplest tasks like making tea become challenging.
During a power outage in Mykolaiv, compounded by a shortage of drinking water, even the simplest tasks like making tea become challenging.
Thanks to this comprehensive programme, families like Maryna’s found much-needed relief during the brutal winter months. Many recipients expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the tangible impact the cash assistance has had on alleviating their struggles and supporting their families.
“The cash support came just in time, and it will really help my family. Your help is life-changing when so many are barely surviving.”
“Thank you for your care and support for the elderly during such a challenging time. I’m speaking on behalf of someone with a disability who isn’t able to share her feedback herself because she’s hard of hearing, but she asked me to pass along her heartfelt thanks.”
“It’s a real help during these hard times. I am the guardian of a 5-year-old child, and this assistance is very important to us.”
Maryna loads wood into her solid fuel boiler daily, to warm the house, happy to have the woods available.
Maryna loads wood into her solid fuel boiler daily, to warm the house, happy to have the woods available.
Children’s Stories — Zlata and Kyrylo
Maryna’s children are deeply affected by their circumstances. Her 15-year-old daughter, Zlata, is coping with anxiety brought on by the harrowing experiences of living through missile attacks in the Mykolaiv region.
“She’s still gets scared of at the tiniest noise — a car passing by, a loud sound — she immediately crouches down and hides.”
Maryna believed that her younger son Kyrylo would be more frightened, expecting the older one to cope better. However, the reality has been the opposite.
“She’s now afraid of fireworks and is deeply frightened by any loud noises. If she hears a loud bang or the sound of something falling, she panics,” Maryna explains.
“Zlata has been seeing a psychologist, but the fear remains. Sometimes when she hears an air raid alarm, she comes to me in the middle of the night, trembling and seeking comfort. I worry about her mental health every day,” she adds.
Zlata (15) and her younger brother Kyrylo (8) are preparing to decorate the Christmas tree. This moment was captured several weeks prior to Christmas, showing their anticipation and festive spirit.
Zlata (15) and her younger brother Kyrylo (8) are preparing to decorate the Christmas tree. This moment was captured several weeks prior to Christmas, showing their anticipation and festive spirit.
Her younger son, Kyrylo, aged 8, faces different challenges. Born with a minor neurological condition, he has yet to undergo a necessary and costly surgical procedure in Kyiv.
Maryna dreams of raising enough money for the surgery, which could significantly improve his future self-esteem and mobility.
“We received this assistance, and I am saving part of the money for his surgery, which costs over 100,000 UAH [US$2,270].”
Kyrylo, 8, the younger child, seems to cope with distress more easily than his elder sister Zlata. His young innocence shields him from fully understanding the harsh realities of war.
Kyrylo, 8, the younger child, seems to cope with distress more easily than his elder sister Zlata. His young innocence shields him from fully understanding the harsh realities of war.
In addition, reports indicate that many Ukrainian families are experiencing disruptions to their children’s education due to harsh winter conditions, persistent insecurity, and widespread power outages.
Power outages and unreliable internet makes online learning nearly impossible, putting students at a serious disadvantage.
Maryna, as a concerned parent, shares her worries: “We face daily blackouts lasting for over 16 hours. When children return from school, there is no electricity at home. After lunch, the power is still out, making it impossible for them to do their homework. I am deeply worried about their future—how they will build their careers without a proper education and how they will find good jobs under these circumstances.”
“Seeing my children in distress — emotionally and physically — breaks my heart,” she says. “The support I received has helped us stay afloat, but I want more for them. I want to give them a safe, happy future,” shares Maryna.
Beyond Immediate Relief — Exploring Livelihood Opportunities
Maryna’s main source of income is her small greenhouse, where she grows vegetables to sell locally. However, during winter, her earnings drop significantly because her greenhouses are not productive in the cold months.
Thanks to support from World Vision, Maryna learned about chances to improve her livelihood within the same project. She applied for a training programme in agricultural business, which is delivered in partnership with Mykolaiv National Agrarian University — an institution that works with World Vision to provide vocational education training. As spring approaches, she sees this training as a timely opportunity to develop her business and ensure year-round growth.
She is now part of a three-month course designed to help small farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs like her. The training includes practical, hands-on lessons about crop production and sustainable farming methods, as well as online classes on business planning, marketing, and financial skills. The course aims to give participants the knowledge and confidence to start or expand their small farms and businesses.
Maryna is very determined to benefit from this opportunity. She has already started the courses and is eager to learn how to improve her greenhouse, diversify her crops, and make her business more efficient and profitable.
“I am so grateful for this chance,” Maryna shares. “I never imagined I would have this opportunity. Now I can learn how to grow my greenhouse business and support my family better.”
The programme also provides a cash grant to help her buy equipment and materials needed for her expansion. Overall, this training will equip Maryna and other participants with the skills and support they need to build sustainable livelihoods, create more stable incomes, and contribute to their local economy — especially as the season changes and new growth begins.
The SPROUT project supported by Aktion Deutschland Hilft and implemented by World Vision and its partners demonstrates how comprehensive support — combining cash assistance, mental health and psychosocial support with livelihood development — can turn the tide for families facing the harsh realities of war.
“We must support our children’s future. This opportunity gives us hope and strength to keep going,” Maryna shares.
Since 2022, World Vision has provided cash assistance to 735,828 individuals. Additionally, over 15,000 people have participated in professional training programmes, and more than 330 individuals have received grants to initiate or expand their businesses.
By Anastasiia Haviuk, World Vision's Communications Officer
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