Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, ALDA has been actively engaged in supporting those most affected by the devastation. Through strong partnerships with local actors and the solidarity of European donors, the association has mobilised more than €134,000 in humanitarian relief and recovery projects, providing both immediate aid and longer-term support for resilience.
In the first months of the emergency, the priority was clear: ensure that families fleeing Mariupol and other conflict-affected areas had access to food, hygiene, and essential goods. Thanks to the support of the Fons Pitiús de Cooperació and the Fons Menorquí de Cooperació, ALDA was able to assist the “YA Mariupol” project in reaching displaced families with life-saving supplies. Medical support was also urgently needed. In Vinnytsia, with resources provided by the Fons Menorquí de Cooperació, two ultrasound machines were delivered to local hospitals, while ten electricity generators were purchased to guarantee basic services even during power cuts.
As the war dragged on, ALDA’s efforts shifted towards strengthening infrastructure and creating safe spaces for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). In Dnipro, with contributions from the Fons Pitiús de Cooperació and later the NRW Region of Germany, shelters were equipped and refurbished to improve living conditions for those who had lost their homes. Beyond physical shelter, psychological and social support was equally crucial. With the help of the Fons Mallorquí, IDPs in the Dnipropetrovsk region were able to access counselling, legal advice, and training opportunities aimed at fostering self-reliance, leadership, and future employment.
In Odesa, the same donor made it possible to establish centres dedicated to children and women uprooted by the conflict. Adolescents aged 7 to 14 were welcomed into a fully furnished and equipped facility, while younger children, aged 3 to 6, were supported through an early development centre. For women with children, a safe shelter was created, providing stability in times of extreme uncertainty. These initiatives, amounting to €45,000, offered not just protection but also a sense of dignity and community.
Finally, ALDA’s commitment to Ukraine’s recovery extended to those who had served on the frontlines. In Poltava, a Veterans’ Hub was established with the support of the Council of Europe, offering a space for reintegration, empowerment, and new beginnings for former soldiers as they transition back into civilian life.
From providing basic relief to investing in social cohesion and resilience, ALDA’s work in Ukraine reflects a holistic approach to recovery. Each initiative – whether a food parcel, a medical device, a renovated shelter, or a veterans’ reintegration programme – has been a building block towards restoring lives and strengthening local communities. Above all, these actions testify to the enduring power of solidarity and decentralised cooperation, showing that even in times of war, local democracy and collective action remain key drivers of hope and renewal.
