The full scale war was declared four years ago affecting communities across Ukraine, followed by actions that continues having dramatic effects across the region, all neighbouring countries and the rest of Europe.
Darkness, displacement and fear returned again to the heart of our continent causing sorrow among millions of people which lives changed drastically like never before.
The solidarity of the entire European and global YMCA movement also had no precedents in decades. The cooperation of all our member YMCAs was visible through joint initiatives, projects involving external partners, resource mobilisation and prayer. The YMCA has mobilised its teams of volunteers and staff using their skills, best practices and resources in order to provide effective responses at local, national and international levels.
During these four years, our positive impact has continued growing. More stakeholders joined from the private and public sectors, our actions became even more coordinated, and our profile has been raised as a relevant civil society organisation that cares for the community literally on the front line.
More young people have been reached as direct beneficiaries and a new generation of leaders that understand the extremely difficult context and are more equipped to answer today and in the near future as our leaders both within the YMCA and in their societies. This continues to be our best contribution to a Europe with opportunities, unity and social justice for all.
YMCA Europe has also adapted its structure, procedures and working tools to the new reality, in order to be more effective in its daily operation, keeping our work with Ukraine and all neighbouring countries as a priority during this period of time. Strengthening all YMCAs affected by this conflict has been a successful outcome of our newly adopted strategy fully aligned with the global Vision 2030.
YMCA Ukraine has shown an outstanding capacity to respond through responsible and mature governance and management new procedures reaching its local and national levels. Partners from across Europe and the world have joined this process, following the needs of YMCA Ukraine in cooperation with our Area Organisation.
Not only today, but each day since February 24th 2022, our movement has held Ukraine in solidarity, prayers and action. We keep in our thoughts and prayers all those suffering from the effects of this dark period across each community in our continent and around the world. Through our action we will continue striving for peace with justice.
