Also from the very beginning of this crisis, the YMCA movement at all levels took action through relevant steps both within Ukraine and across the borders. The response strategy led by YMCA Europe in cooperation with our partners and stakeholders, continues achieving visible goals tackling immediate needs of the effected communities and across Europe.
We are extremely thankful for the leadership of YMCAs at local, national and international levels. Combined with their proactive approach, our joint resource mobilisation campaign continues developing successfully based on our immediate and mid term strategic plan for the benefit of the affected YMCAs.
The plan has two dimension:
- the support to displaced persons and refugees, combined with
- longer term actions that will guarantee the institutional viability of the YMCA in Ukraine and other neighbouring countries also directly affected by the conflict.
In this respect, YMCA Europe’s Executive Committee and Staff Team have developed and implemented new governance and working procedures in order to increase our capacities, effectiveness and communication outreach. Even considering the constantly changing scenarios, we continue adapting our operational plan and resources in cooperation with our main partners on the ground and globally.
Our Executive Committee will now focus on adapting the 2021-2026 adopted Strategy to the new context, guaranteeing that YMCA Europe is prepared to continue responding to the humanitarian crisis and the post conflict new scenarios.
The pan European refugees relief programme initiatives incorporate actions directly led by YMCA Europe across the movement and projects already being developed by local and national YMCAs such as accommodation and relief, psycho socio support and integration.
In terms of movement strengthening the focus will continue being the YMCA in Belarus and also YMCAs in Russia, Belarus plus YMCAs in Romania, Moldova, Slovakia, Hungary and all those involved in direct support actions. At the moment most of our member YMCAs in Europe are involved in different initiatives and our goal is that all 32 movements are part of the response plan.
Several status reports have been shared with our partners and donors highlighting the developments of our collective response. Dozens of personal inspiring testimonies and project initiatives across Europe and globally have been shared through our communication platforms.
We will continue making efforts to disseminate information coming from the front line as we mobilise resources and play an active role as a civil society organisation fulfilling our mission and guiding principles.
After 50 days, as we celebrate Easter we reaffirm our commitment with peace and reconciliation!
More than ever Easter means hope for all of us at the YMCA in Europe. As we strive for peace with justice, Easter is a time of hope, renewal and celebration. Our thoughts and prayers are with those that suffer, the most vulnerable ones and the millions of people displaced, living with uncertainty and fear. May Easter also be a time of encounter where we can see each other as brothers and sisters living in peace, reconciliation and prosperity.
Thank you for your commitment, support and faith!
Our web page and facebook page will continue to be updated with more in-depth detail about the YMCA’s emergency response and appeal.
YMCAs are caring for refugees fleeing violence in Ukraine by providing shelter, aid items, medical supplies. We need your support. Thank you!
