Our Mission

"Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine will acquire and maintain

a historic building in Molochansk as a vehicle of humanitarian and

social services which are community-based, provided without

discrimination, foster local initiative, and are sustainable, while

interpreting and commemorating the Mennonite past."

In 2000 we acquired the former Girl's School, built in 1910, and are using it as our mission statement above states.

About FRIENDS OF THE MENNONITE CENTRE IN UKRAINE

In the summer of 2000 a newly-formed international association "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine" purchased the former Girls' School in Molochansk as the focus of a program of Mennonite humanitarian assistance in southern Ukraine. We shared the expectations of Molochansk Mayor Alexandra Saenko, who, in negotiations for the privatization & purchase of the building, said: "I know Mennonites quite well. I think that the Centre offers our devastated people hope. Perhaps the school will become a 'light on a hill'. We are eager to work with you".

Since the USSR collapse, Ukraine has been passing through a harsh subsistence, health & economic crisis which continues. At risk are seniors and children. Food, medical, & social assistance initiatives were begun in 2001, followed by educational programs. We have partnered with local government, hospitals, orphanages & schools to offer help & hope to Ukrainians in tangible ways, regardless of gender, ethnic background or religion.