Project description: Establishing trauma centers and providing aid for children
Project locationBudapest, Hungary
Project partnersDorkasz Ministries
Target audienceUkrainian refugees, especially single mothers and children with difficulties at school
Project periodLaunched in autumn 2023
Project budget: 22.500 €
Targeted trauma support services are being developed for people displaced by the war in Ukraine. Churches, Evangelical Alliances, and other support organizations are working together to strengthen relationships and promote not only psychological needs but also the capacity for peace and reconciliation in Eastern Europe. A key component of this effort is the quarterly networking of trauma response center directors, providing them with encouragement, inspiration, and practical support. These meetings are invaluable, as the goals can only be achieved collectively.
Ukrainian refugees – especially single mothers with several children and elderly people – should receive targeted support, both in their employment and on their path to greater inner and outer stability. Two key approaches to this support are being pursued: firstly, measures to help children adapt better to a new country, and secondly, trauma counseling for the refugees.
Many children face significant challenges in the Hungarian education system, as they are unable to read or write. In numerous cases, they struggle to integrate into school. When we contacted the families, we heard many heartbreaking stories. It is especially important to offer hope and support to single mothers.
A harrowing example: Four Ukrainian men attempted to cross the river at the Hungarian border – but they drowned and died. "We want to address these complaints and the harsh reality of the situation, and respond to trauma," write the aid workers on the ground.
Local activities
Since this trauma center is still under development (supported by the center in Moldova), a large part of our work involves establishing contact with charities, businesses, churches, and Ukrainian-Hungarian individuals to build a network of supporters and contacts for long-term collaboration. This included a visit to the Dorkasz refugee camp. We also contacted another refugee camp (Deva Refugee Center) to support it with donations. Part of the development work involves familiarizing ourselves with the kindergarten, school, and childcare systems to address specific needs and to design tutoring programs that provide the best possible support for the children.
Some successes of this networking have already become apparent: for example, a Hungarian company was persuaded to support single mothers and large families in need through donations. These donations were distributed by the Vamos Foundation. This initiative is to be continued in the future.
The first trauma programs are already being offered at the New Life Bible Church in Budapest, a Russian-Ukrainian congregation. There, support is offered to traumatized elderly people and pensioners.
Furthermore, there is a collaboration with the "Street to Apartment Association," which helps in finding tutors and support for the children. This is an enormous help, especially for children who have difficulty settling into their new surroundings.
„We trust in God that he will give us further opportunities to help refugees in need. We would like to thank you again for your support!“ (Local aid workers)