View allAll Photos Tagged programme
Omowunmi Akinbodunse gives the participants an overview of information technology jobs.
W.TEC Young Women's Programme, Lagos, Nigeria (April 22 - 30, 2009)
Nadiya Shyika, nurse for the UNICEF programme, on a home visit to mother Oksana Tsytryn and 11-month-old David.
In and around the town of Rudky, west of Lviv, poverty and limited access to essential services present significant challenges for the local population. With the relatively industrialised and developed east of the country now a conflict zone, the western regions are struggling to accommodate millions of displaced people—many of whom have sought refuge in villages where even basic infrastructure, such as a reliable water supply, is often lacking.
To help address these challenges, UNICEF has funded the establishment of a health clinic to serve rural and remote communities. With additional support from Giro555, the national fundraising campaign held in the Netherlands in 2022, UNICEF also organises medical home visits for new mothers who are unable to travel to the clinic, ensuring they receive the care and support they need.
Nadiya:
'Home visits for parents are incredibly important. Children's appointments typically last only 15 minutes when they visit our outpatient clinic. However, when we see them at home, we gain a deeper understanding of their environment, observe their condition more thoroughly, and help prevent potential health issues.
Given the ongoing war in our country, many parents are often absent, making it especially difficult for young mothers to access healthcare services.
Having a dedicated vehicle for our clinic allows us to reach many villages and provide care to children in remote areas. A home visit means a mother can receive advice while managing household responsibilities and caring for her other children. Otherwise, she would need to arrange transport and cover fuel costs herself. Even if an elderly grandparent is present, they may be unable to care for two children alone. With family members often away—mothers at work, fathers abroad, brothers serving in the army—these visits provide much-needed support.
Vaccine hesitancy is a common issue, and home visits help address parents’ concerns. Some parents are hesitant because they fear for their child’s health. We engage both pro-vaccination and vaccine-hesitant parents in discussions.
When we announce planned vaccination days, parents who support vaccination respond positively, while those with doubts often ask for more information. By sharing educational materials and organising live discussions, we foster informed decision-making.
Beyond medical care, these visits provide emotional and psychological support, especially for families of soldiers and internally displaced persons who face unique challenges.
For example, a mother displaced from Odesa moved to our village, married, and had a child. With the help of social workers and the community, we provided her with firewood, a crib, and essential supplies. Though we couldn’t offer a fully renovated home, we ensured her family a safe and welcoming environment.
Each visit provides more than medical support—we never arrive empty-handed. Whether it’s nappies, hygiene products, or educational materials, we strive to meet families’ immediate needs while offering long-term solutions. These visits build trust, showing families they have ongoing support from healthcare professionals and social workers.
Home visits are not just part of our job—they are a calling for many of us. When I was offered the opportunity to take a course on postnatal home care, I volunteered without hesitation. Over time, I became a UNICEF trainer, sharing my experiences at national discussion panels and travelling to different regions to advocate for home-based care.
This work constantly challenges and enriches us as healthcare professionals. Unlike a typical clinic role, where tasks can feel repetitive, home visits allow us to learn from each unique family.
I have three children and never had anyone visit to offer this kind of guidance. After working on this project for over a year and a half, I see firsthand the positive impact it has—not just on families but our entire community.'
Oksana:
'I really appreciate these visits because Nadiya comes to my home, and I can discuss any concerns with her. When my older child was younger, I had some disagreements at the local clinic, so I decided to turn to Nadiya. She always listens and offers advice. If I have a question, I message her, and she consults with the doctor, and they provide guidance. I keep track of my concerns so that when she visits, I’m ready to discuss them.'
---
The large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked a devastating escalation of the conflict following the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the occupation of parts of Eastern Ukraine. In response to this crisis, Cordaid has supported Ukrainians since 2015, providing crucial humanitarian assistance and fostering resilience through impactful partnerships with local Caritas organisations.
Caritas Ukraine and Caritas Spes swiftly deliver emergency assistance to conflict-affected regions nationwide. By prioritising local leadership, these partnerships empower Ukrainians to determine their needs and implement sustainable solutions.
Key initiatives include:
•Emergency Relief: Supporting displaced people in fragile and vulnerable circumstances in war-affected areas in the east with basic needs.
•Water Rehabilitation: Repairing damaged water systems and installing filtration units in heavily affected areas to ensure access to clean water.
•Healthcare Programmes: Establishing nine medical centres that provide integrated services, including primary healthcare, psychological support, and palliative care. These centres are designed to achieve financial sustainability through government support.
•Livelihood Recovery: Helping displaced people rebuild their lives through business training and start-up grants.
•Palliative Care Expansion: Meeting the rising demand for home and hospice care for displaced elderly and chronically ill, impacted by the ongoing conflict.
By late 2024, over 3.7 million people remained displaced within Ukraine, with 6 million more seeking refuge abroad. The war’s toll on housing, infrastructure, and mental health has created urgent needs. An increasing number of families deal with the loss of family members, mostly husbands, sons and fathers, and demobilised veterans are struggling to reintegrate into society.
Cordaid’s recovery programmes address these challenges by:
•Providing emergency relief to newly displaced individuals, particularly in eastern regions.
•Offering psychosocial support and rehabilitation for civilians affected by the war and for veterans and their families.
•Supporting essential utilities, including water systems, electricity, and winterisation supplies.
As the conflict continues, Cordaid remains committed to a dual emergency relief approach and sustainable recovery that considers new needs.
By strengthening partnerships with the Ukrainian Caritas branches and other local organisations, fostering local leadership, and ensuring financial sustainability, Cordaid aims to build resilience and restore hope for the millions affected by this devastating war.
Through collaboration, innovation, and a focus on evolving community needs, Cordaid is helping to create a path forward for Ukraine—one rooted in dignity, resilience, and hope for a brighter future.
Photos of the Pioneers into Practice Introductory Workshop, West Midlands, UK held on 29-30 April 2015.