In Ukraine the international SOCMED program is in progress and developing
The Green Cross Ukraine continues to cooperate with the Green Cross Switzerland, focusing its experience, partnerships and efforts on activities within the international SOCMED program in Ukraine. The relevance of the program is determined by the constant need of the population for social and medical care, which is subject to the negative impact of the environment due to the Chernobyl accident and other adverse factors. Together with partners, social, medical and educational assistance is provided to the population experiencing the consequences of the Chernobyl accident and living in the 3rd and 4th Chernobyl zones. Preserving the health of the population is the most important task in overcoming the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. Objective is improving the health of mothers and their children, providing counseling and disseminating knowledge on how they can improve living conditions.
2021 was a very difficult year not only for Ukraine but also for other countries. The social problems of the people in Ukraine have become even more difficult, this is due to rising prices in all sectors, the economic and political challenges, energy crisis - these are the most painful issues that the country is unable to solve without support. The Green Cross Switzerland continues to work with the GCU and helps coordinate and provide financial support to vulnerable groups, schools, health facilities and educational institutions in dire need of assistance.
Together with the partners and the National Ecology and Nature Center (NENC), SOCMED projects were implemented, which have a positive impact on the development of the partnership network, relationships with communities where the Green Cross operates in Ukraine.
For 2 years, project models for the development of solar energy in social institutions, communities and schools were developed. In 2021, the first results and achievements of the energy saving project were obtained. Reconstruction of the boiler house in Vyshevytskiy Lyceum, Zhytomyr Region, is being completed with additional funding. The project contributes to the establishment of an efficient energy-saving and cost-effective heating system in order to reduce the dependence of the school on market fluctuations in gas prices, improve the environment through heating waste from woodworking and agricultural enterprises.
Within the framework of the new initiative, work was carried out on the arrangement of sanitary rooms inside rural schools, restoration of infrastructure with access to water, proper sanitary conditions in Vyshevytskiy Lyceum and Selyanschinsky Sports Lyceum of Zhytomyr Region. The project is relevant because it promotes human rights to access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene and improves the educational environment.
"Mothers and Child" Family clubs in Zhytomyr and Chernihiv regions and the city of Slavutych continue to operate. Work was carried out in families, informational and educational materials, booklets, and humanitarian aid were provided. Efforts were made to provide families with social, psychological, legal assistance, and medical counseling. Work was carried out with vulnerable groups. https://youtu.be/KeLvVNjJaE0
Recreation is an important and significant support for improving children's health and restoring moral and psychological condition. Thanks to a set of special social, educational, medical, hygienic, sports measures, the restoration of physical and mental health of children was achieved, the development of spirituality and social activity of children was supported. In 2021, the Therapy Camp was implemented through prevention, treatment and rehabilitation measures in ecologically clean Transcarpathia, on the basis of "Shayan-gora", "Young Guard" and NENC. 18 families and 117 children received assistance. Trade union organizations and the administration from the city of Slavutych also acted as partners in the rehabilitation of children in Transcarpathia. Significant support was provided by the NENC, which is involved in the activities and has significantly assisted in the implementation of the project and other areas. https://youtu.be/xLVBu7Rt-Uc
Thanks to the partnership with the Zhytomyr Regional Children's Clinical Hospital, it is possible to provide qualified medical care to the needy population. Medical equipment has been renewed, which is very important for timely detection of diseases. A dental chair was purchased, a cabinet for the treatment of children was partially equipped, suture material and equipment for operations were purchased. 16 filed visits were made to the districts with the participation of specialized doctors. Surveys of children on the ground were conducted, consultations were provided. A total of 2,762 children and 42 families were examined, 464 children were treated and 67 surgeries were performed.
Together with the National Ecology and Nature Center, training for children and youth was organized based on the formation of key and subject competencies, raising the level of environmental culture, forming an ecological style of thinking, generating new ideas for environmental protection. The goal is to establish associations of active and healthy youth, increase their motivation, create opportunities for self-realization and unleash the potential of youth, strengthen communication and dialogue, support for youth.
Information support for children, adolescents and families on environmental education and healthy lifestyles was provided on an ongoing basis. The GCU continues supporting the issue of the magazine "Sprout" and the publication of articles about the Green Cross activities in the newspaper.
Since the beginning of the year, cooperation with local public organizations, medical institutions, educational institutions has been strengthened, new partnerships have been established, and a number of contracts and agreements on cooperation have been signed.
Many of the problems remain unresolved, requiring further attention, commitment and involvement of many parties in the future.
The Green Cross Ukraine expresses its gratitude to the entire staff of the Green Cross Switzerland and to all partners in Ukraine for their long-term trust, cooperation, coordination and financial support.
GCU
