Early this week the Eurodiaconia Supervisory Board has approved the application for membership of Living for Hope from Ukraine. 

Living Hope is an NGO based in Odessa, Ukraine. The organization is active at local level in the field of social inclusion of disadvantaged children, youth and families in need. Living Hope was founded in the Christian faith in 1999 by two young volunteers. It currently employs 6 permanent staff members plus 15 full-time volunteers. Each year, 5 international long-term volunteers, and a number of short-term volunteers join the organization as well over the Summer. In light of the current political situation in Ukraine, Living for Hope is actively engaged in facing multiple social problems such as poverty, alcohol and drugs abuse, domestic violence and child care. Through its faith based approach the organization aims to promote social inclusion and equality across the region.

Living Hope is already involved in different international partnerships such as the Ecumenical Diaconal Year Network EDYN, and the International Academy for Diaconia and Social Action INTERDIAC.

In their application form Living Hope states that they wish to have membership of Eurodiaconia because: “We would like to join Eurodiaconia, because we believe that we can learn a lot from other partners’ experience. Sadly, Ukraine has not a big diaconal tradition and social work and ministries still experience a lack of knowledge and expertise in the field. We urgently need to meet the burning social issues our society is forced to face. Also, we want to share first hand information about the development in our country and society.

We are delighted to welcome them to the network and sharing their experience with others. Вітаємо!

Find more about our new member’s work in Odessa on their website.