Our Mission

To develop comprehensive and professional programs in the field of social work in Ukraine.

The most recent project that we have been working on is titled:  

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE PROTECTIN OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN UKRAINE

Over the past year, the conflicts in the war-torn regions in Ukraine have resulted in not just political and economic challenges for the nation, but also a huge social crisis.  As of March 23, 2015 there were 1,178,000 internally displaced persons (hereinafter, IDPs) from Crimea and Eastern regions, identified by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine. Majority of them, socially vulnerable persons including families, children, women, disabled and the elderly.

It is apparent that Ukraine was not and is not prepared for this unexpected situation of such an enormous internal displacement of people and for addressing their needs, even on a very basic level.

The main challenges facing IDPs include the following:  food, clothing, shelter, difficulties with settlement, employment, medical care, access to psychological support and rehabilitation services, education, cultural and social reintegration, etc.

The efforts of the state, public, and voluntary organizations focus primarily on meeting basic needs and providing financial and humanitarian aid. Psychological problems and emotional difficulties of IDPs remain unresolved. Systematic and comprehensive work in the field of social support and services to IDPs remains lacking. The few social services available are overburdened with the numbers of individuals and families requiring support.  Many IDPs are left feeling abandoned and not knowing where to turn or how to begin the process of resettlement and integration into their new communities.   

At this time, the services that are provided are disorganized and overburdened - there is an inadequate number of trained professionals to assess the physical, emotional and psychological challenges and needs of IDPs, to help with social integration, monitor and evaluate progress and refer to appropriate specialists and community resources.

The Konvalia Project, along with our Ukrainian partner Bethany Social Services Kiev Branch, are working to develop training programs for Case Managers and Counselors to work with IDPs in Ukraine.  Specifically in the Donetsk, Luhansk and Dnipropetrovsk regions.  Following the training, we will be supervising the Case Manager and Counsellors as they work in connecting families to much  needed social services and in providing psychosocial counseling services using Brief Solution Focussed Therapy and the Task Oriented Approach.

The Konvalia Project continues to work hard to bring hope and support to families in Ukraine.  We can’t do this without you and we want to thank you for your continued support and faith in our work. 

We are continuing our work with victims of domestic violence and are working in the following ways on this project:

We have put together an extensive outreach program to ensure that we reach as many women and children who are victims of domestic violence in need of assistance.

Educating and training individuals working in the field of social work in Ukraine thereby providing them with knowledge and tools to more effectively work with clients that reflect the complexity of social problems that exist in Ukraine.

Educatinge children in elementary and high schools about domestic violence, healthy relationships, harmonious family life, respect, conflict resolution, self-esteem and communication skills.

Connecting and working together with other resources that are providing social, financial, legal services for abused women.

Providing counselling services to women and children that are victims and/or witnesses of abuse.

About THE KONVALIA PROJECT IN SUPPORT OF SOCIAL WORK DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE

NEWEST PROJECT: CONNECTING INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPs)WITH SOCIAL SERVICES AND TRAINING PERSONNEL IN THE PROVISION OF MUCH NEEDED PSYCHOSOCIAL COUNSELLING SERVICES TO IDPs

'The Konvalia Project' has been working with our partner in Ukraine, Bethany Social Services, Kiev Branch (Ukrainian charitable organization), for over a decade to improve the lives of families, women and children.

We have recently expanded our work to include training of professionals to provide counselling services and connect Internally Displaced Persons.  The crisis in the war-torn regions of Ukraine have resulted in a huge social crisis with many families not having the necessary resources that are needed to effective resettlement.

CONTINUING PROJECT - PROVIDING SOCIAL SERVICES/COUNSELLING TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

There is a 68% incidence of domestic violence in Ukraine.

The Konvalia Project has focused energies on the development of a program for the prevention of domestic violence in Ukraine.

The work is two-fold. The first is an educational focus that provides information to abused women and representatives of social agencies who work with abused women. Also, six-session workshops are being presented in elementary and high schools focussing on the development of healthy relationships, respect, conflict resolution, building respect, resources in the community and legislation.

The second is the provision of services for abused women which would include individual and group counselling services. Counselling services are available for children who are victims and/or witness domestic violence.

The Konvalia Project has also been involved in presenting and supporting certificate courses in Practical Social Work. This work is carried out in Kiev and Vinnitsia