War in Ukraine: World Vision Supporting Partners with Capacity Building
"I truly wish to become independent and not rely on assistance, but rather have the opportunity to support myself".
In south-eastern Ukraine, the city of Zaporizhzhia - around 35 kilometres from the frontlines - faces relentless daily missile and drone attacks. With winter rapidly approaching, the situation is deteriorating further.
Attacks on energy infrastructure are becoming more frequent, leaving millions in frontline communities without power, heating, or protection from ongoing shelling. Power outages hinder hospitals from functioning at full capacity, schools are unable to operate normally, and families lack access to essential services such as food, hygiene, and water.
Yelyzaveta Mordan, World Vision’s Livelihood and Economic Recovery Advisor, explains, “In Ukraine, humanitarian aid often overlaps stages like emergency help, rebuilding, and stabilisation because of ongoing war crises, constant shelling and disasters. This means priorities shift to basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and healthcare, making planning more difficult and requiring flexible resources.”
World Vision remains on the ground, committed to standing alongside those most in need. In partnership with the Public Initiative (PI) Will Help Together and with support from World Vision Australia, we have successfully reached vulnerable communities in Zaporizhzhia, distributing hygiene kits as part of the project Stronger Civil Society for Early Recovery and Child Wellbeing in Ukraine.
“With rent and bills taking up most of our money, this hygiene kit will help us save on buying these essential items. It also gives us a sense of normality, as the contents are of good quality and cover all our basic needs.”
Kateryna, 35, originally from Melitopol in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, is one of those who have recently received a family hygiene kit. Having left her hometown in 2022, she now resides in a rented apartment in Zaporizhzhia.
“The assistance is incredibly helpful and comes at a very important time,” she shares. “With rent and bills taking up most of our money, this hygiene kit will help us save on buying these essential items. It also gives us a sense of normality, as the contents are of good quality and cover all our basic needs. We are grateful for this support during such difficult times.”
The hygiene kit is designed to last for one month for an average family. It contains essential items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other basic hygiene products. These kits are distributed to the most vulnerable people in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, ensuring that those in greatest need receive support.
“We managed to buy the hygiene kits within our project budget by choosing the best quality products from several suppliers. Thanks to a successful tender, we received 123 more kits than planned. This helped us reach more communities and assist more people”, shares Yuriy Bezkorovainyi, Director of the Public Initiative “Will Help Together”.
The project successfully exceeded its goal by reaching 1,023 families, instead of 900, achieving 114% of the target. The success shows how important it is to keep these programmes going, as the frontlines remain tense and many people are still fleeing conflict.
“Thanks to this project, we secured a two-year Finmap subscription instead of one, doubling our progress. It also helped us submit clearer reports. Our staff improved their English and project management skills through courses. We’re truly grateful for these opportunities.”
Zaporizhzhia has become a key place for displaced people, with over 200,000 people now living there. The need is huge, with over 12.7 million people requiring urgent help. The most vulnerable — children, women, and displaced families — are at the greatest risk, making ongoing humanitarian support more important than ever.
Tetiana, another aid recipient, shares, “Having basic hygiene products makes a big difference. Of course, we regularly buy those items. However, without support, I have to choose between essentials and better food or a safer home. It truly helps.”
The ongoing security issues in the city, including recent night shelling, have caused delays in the aid efforts. People were waiting for the all-clear to stay safe. Despite the dangers, our local partners supported by World Vision remain on the ground, reaching vulnerable communities. Their presence is crucial in making sure aid gets to those who need it most.
Viktor Stepaniuk, World Vision’s Partnership Manager, explains, “This project is designed to address localisation gaps, empowering local non-governmental organisations with the skills, resources, and support needed to lead effectively, advocate passionately, and respond more impactfully to community needs across Ukraine.”
By helping local organisations develop their capacity, World Vision enables communities to lead their own recovery and support children and families better. Supporting local actors is vital for delivering lasting, community-led solutions in difficult times.
“Thanks to this project, we secured a two-year Finmap subscription instead of one, doubling our progress. It also helped us submit clearer reports. Our staff improved their English and project management skills through courses. We’re truly grateful for these opportunities,” shares Yuriy Bezkorovainyi.
Photos by PI "Will Help Together"