RCC news

In early December, the grand opening of Community and Public Development Centres took place.
On December 10, the Center was opened in the Prolinenska community of the Chuhuiv district, on December 11 in the Savynska community of the Izium district in the Kharkiv region, and on December 13 in the Novomykolaivska community of the Zaporizhzhia region.
These centers will become key hubs for implementing positive changes in the community, contribute to addressing pressing issues, unite residents around important initiatives, and serve as a platform for learning and development for residents of all ages.
The newly established Centers share a common goal: to become points of support for the development of local initiatives, training of activists, and implementation of projects aimed at strengthening the community.
The opening and operation of both Centers became possible thanks to fruitful cooperation with partners.One of them is Acted, an international organization that supports the development of local communities in the Kharkiv region. Thanks to their strategic assistance, the Centers were created and equipped.
Now they will become hubs of change. The Acted team accompanied the project at all stages,
providing professional support. At the opening, the head of the 'Partnership and Local Planning' project, Yeheniia Krivchun, presented a strategic vision for further support of local initiatives aimed at
community development. Relief Coordination Centre is a charitable organization that actively participated in the creation of both spaces.
The SSA monitoring team collected information on the needs of the communities and advocated for the creation of such centers specifically in the Savyntsi and Proline communities. The Public Development Centres from Kharkiv contributed to the development of event programs, conducting strategic sessions, and training CPDCs staff. It will provide long-term support to both communities.


The Community and Public Development Centres in Savyntsi and Proline will become the foundation for strengthening communities, increasing social cohesion, and active participation of residents in addressing important issues.
17.12.2024

The RCC has officially become a Mine Action Operator.
We are pleased to announce that our organization has successfully completed all accreditation stages and is now beginning its operations in the field of humanitarian demining in the Kharkiv region. Achieving the status of Mine Action Operator marks a significant milestone for both the region and the country, as we become part of a system dedicated to building a safer future. Our activities encompass several key areas. We conduct non-technical surveys, identifying and mapping contaminated areas using modern methodologies, while also collaborating with local communities to gather accurate data. At the same time, we are actively informing the public about the risks associated with mines and unexploded ordnance, providing training to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Furthermore, we are preparing to clear areas affected by combat and to undertake demining operations, ensuring the swift return to peaceful life.


This status is not only a triumph for our organization, but also a vital step for the region and the country as a whole. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way. This is just the beginning of an extensive effort that we are committed to carrying out for the safety and development of Ukraine.
15.12.2024

BRIDGE Forum: Building Resilience, Institutional Development & Growth Empowerment
The BRIDGE Forum has become a pivotal platform for discussing challenges and seeking solutions in humanitarian response, community development, and strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs). Its aim is to create a unified information space, uniting efforts and resources to enhance the ability of local communities to overcome contemporary challenges and develop in crisis conditions.


The Forum focused on assessing the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and exploring ways to address crisis challenges at the regional level.
Experts discussed pressing issues facing communities and mechanisms for overcoming them:


Representatives of the UN, Swiss and Dutch embassies, as well as regional administrations of Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv regions, examined the challenges faced by communities and approaches to addressing them. Speakers expressed their vision for the future of humanitarian processes and emphasized the need for deeper coordination among all stakeholders.


A new platform, BRIDGE, was also presented. BRIDGE is a comprehensive ecosystem that unites information and analytical tools, organizational profiles, grant opportunities, and a secure communication platform, aimed at supporting coordination, planning, and cooperation between CSOs and international partners.


This day became a platform for open dialogue, exchange of experiences, and building new partnerships.


The second day was dedicated to tools and strategies for strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations.


Participants discussed:
 • Financial sustainability: How to find new sources of funding and maintain financial independence.
 • Partnerships: How to effectively communicate with donors and international organizations, finding new opportunities for cooperation.
 • Identity and mission: Forming a clear positioning of CSOs in the market to increase their recognition and trust.
 • Innovation: Using modern technologies to optimize work and increase the effectiveness of initiatives.
 
Participants emphasized that strategic planning, coordination between CSOs from different regions, and the pooling of resources are the foundation for the sustainable development of the sector.
25.11.2024

Transit center in Pavlohrad: support for thousands of IDPs!
The transit center in Pavlohrad, which began functioning on August 30, provides critical support for evacuees from the combat zone in Donetsk Oblast. As of November 10, the center has assisted 4,741 evacuees, including 404 people with limited mobility, 759 children, and 1,326 elderly individuals.


Thanks to collaboration with over 20 organizations, the center provides a wide range of assistance, including:
• organizing evacuations;
• financial, hygiene, and food aid;
• legal and psychological support for adults and children;
• medical assistance;
• distribution of non-food items;
• hot meals.


This center is an essential place for prompt support and comprehensive assistance for evacuees, offering not only necessary resources but also psychological help to ease the process of adaptation and recovery amid new challenges.


Your safety is a top priority. If you or your loved ones need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can overcome any difficulties.


To request evacuation for your relatives, friends, or loved ones from hotspots, please call: 0 800 339 291.


Thank you to everyone who supports our mission!


The project "Support to Kharkiv Regional Coordination Center" is implemented with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) project "Ukraine Confidence Building Initiative" (UCBI).
20.11.2024

Swiss Delegation in Kharkiv: Analyzing Rapid Response Processes and Meeting with Charitable Organizations for Further Support and Development.
A meeting occurred between employees of the CO Relief Coordination Centre and representatives of the Swiss government, including the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Switzerland to Ukraine, Felix Baumann, and members of the SDC fund. This is the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, part of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA), which helps to overcome the consequences of the war in Ukraine.


The first location visited by the delegation was a transit evacuation point (TEP). Here, those present were able to see firsthand the organization and mechanics of the processes; learn about the types of assistance provided - from psychological counseling to closing individual cases, and talk to representatives of non-governmental organizations directly involved on the ground.
Next, the Swiss visited one of the volunteer shelters for people with limited mobility who require care. There, they saw the daily work of volunteers, including representatives of the CF The Way of Ukraine, and international partners of Nonviolent Peaceforce, and heard firsthand about the problems and challenges these people faced.
The next item on the agenda was a visit to one of the strike sites in Saltivka, the consequences of which were still being eliminated a week ago by the Rapid Response Group by sealing windows in apartment buildings. Therefore, representatives of the RRG spoke with foreign guests, and voiced their urgent needs to continue their important activities.
This busy day ended at the Center for the Development of Civil Society. Here, a joint meeting was held between representatives of Switzerland, Nonviolent Peaceforce, and ten following charitable nongovernmental organizations,
•  CO CF Khaustov
•  NGO Free Movement Kharkiv
•  NGO Lookingforce Angel
•  NGO "AID 46"
•  Crisis relief team Germany
•  CO CF The Basis of the Future
•  NGO For Real Kharkiv
•  NGO I Am Saved
•  CO CF Unity And Strength
•  CO CF The Path Of Hope
We are confident that this meeting will allow for more effective coordination of humanitarian aid, attract additional resources, and accelerate the recovery process of the Kharkiv region.


The result of the joint work was a clear understanding of the urgent needs of the region, the development of joint action plans, and the deepening of cooperation between Ukrainian and Swiss partners.
13.11.2024