Ukraine
DEAR
BOTH A GREAT NEED AND
a Challenge
FRIENDS, 2010 was a difficult year in many ways. We had to carry out our budgeted programs and projects in the atmosphere of ongoing economical crisis and unstable political environment. The new president made attempts to reform some sectors of the country’s life, which brought us some difficulties related to customs clearance of the gifts-in-kind items. Consumer prices and utility payments rose significantly. The unemployment rate increased. However, our faithful Lord helped us to do what we had to do. Our GIK cleared and was distributed to the needy; we had no obstacles in the Christian input ministry in CRI Homes. The three summer camps hosted nearly 1000 children from families and institutions. The radio ministry, Christmas parties, OCL and OWR events have been a blessing for many. Now, with God’s help, we hope to grow our ministry, continue our partnership with the Local Church and to implement the motto of “Reaching People for Christ.”
Mykola Bogdanets Field Country Manager Ukraine
40
MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS REPORT 2011 > >
Since 1999, the Mother Care Project in MWBU’s Sarny office supplies essential life-preserving items to needy women and their infants. This is a great contribution into the Ukrainian government’s efforts to lower the infant mortality rate and to raise the care of mothers. Under the project, each enrolled mother gets a free medical kit needed for delivery and a postnatal parcel with items for the new-born and the mother. These two parcels cost a total of 309 UAH (EURO 30), which is quite an amount of money for the poor families living in areas of high unemployment and rampant poverty.
New President with his new team and new politics won the 2010 February elections
Reestablishment of the 1996 Constitution that made Ukraine the presidentialparliamentary republic and gave a lot of power to the presidentelect
Besides the parcels, dentist service, spiritual counseling, parenting classes and GIK items are offered as part of the project. Unfortunately, we can only help a relatively small number of beneficiaries that apply to us. In the past year, MotherCare helped 30 mothers\infants monthly. The need however, is much greater. The MC coordinator shares that nearly 150200 ladies apply monthly and our staff have to do the painful job of selection. That’s why more monthly parcels would be greatly appreciated. More parcels mean more care, more life and eventually, more praise to God.
Action Plan on visa-free entrance into Europe is signed
The attempt to start constitutional, administrative and pension reforms in Ukraine
Developing dependence of Ukraine on the IMF and other oversee financial structures