Ukraine
The hub of our work is the Mission Centre in Rivne, the capital of the province including Chernobyl. Much of the country is still affected by the nuclear disaster. This and economic devastation have brought the nation, which once produced over 50% of the Soviet Union’s agricultural goods, close to bankruptcy.
Nearly every family in the Ukraine is in great need. Post-communist economic reforms have been slow. Inflation continues to rise faster than wages and employment is scarce.
In addition, the legacy of Chernobyl continues to impact many residents in the surrounding areas. Water, soil and food contamination have led to malnutrition, anemia and reduced immunity to disease.
After independence in August of 1991, Ukraine got off to a painful start into a market society. The economy collapsed, reducing the country to a partial barter society. Today, families face widespread unemployment. Even employed workers often do not receive wages for months at a time.
Mission Without Borders provides summer camps for children who suffer from a wide range of serious health problems caused by Chernobyl. Focus is also paid to impoverished mothers through the MotherCare project and families in need receive food, hygiene goods, clothing, medicines and Christian literature from our Mission Center. Our CRI program reaches institutionalised children whose daily struggle to survive is alleviated through both physical and spiritual aid.
History
MWB has worked in Ukraine since the years of the Cold War. Based in the region of Rivne, four hours drive west of Kiev, we have established various aid, health and Christian outreach programmes. Employing only Ukrainian nationals, our work has aimed at meeting the needs of some of Ukraine’s most vulnerable people.
In 1986 the Chernobyl disaster led to the contamination of water, soil and food resulting in malnutrition, anaemia and reduced immunity to disease. It also led to the displacement of thousands of people and the demise of local industry. The collapse of both the local and national economy left many destitute. In 2001, MWB decided to expand its child sponsorship program to include many dilapidated and overcrowded orphanages.
Today
Ukraine is still suffering the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster. There is high unemployment and high inflation, with over 100,000 children living in institutions.
Working through our three community centres, Family-to-Family and Family Care projects, we are able to provide basic needs for thousands of the very poorest families.
Our vocational and educational training opportunites, such as sewing, carpentry, cookery and computing, are giving hundreds of people a chance to work. Other needs are met through free dental care and our Mother care project.
Thousands of people are reached nationwide with our Christian Radio programs. All this help, often together with churches and their volunteers, done in the name of Christ, brings hope to those who were in dispair.
Click here to read more about work the affects of our Child sponsorship scheme and why Anatoliy, Leonid and Olga are so important.
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