Scouts unite for aid to Ukraine
Thank you very much for your ongoing support and contributions to Scouting’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Across the world, the Scout Movement came together with 2,492 individual supporters from Scout groups, Baden-Powell Fellows and National Scout Organisations worldwide, we raised USD 713,689 through the Scout Donation Platform for local response and relief efforts in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
Thank you for this incredible outpouring of support, a record for a Scout Donation Platform appeal!
Since the start of the war, the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the World Scout Foundation have been working closely with our Eurasian and European Scouting Regions and the National Organisation of Scouts of Ukraine (NOSU) to coordinate emergency relief efforts and respond to the humanitarian crisis.
Scouts in Ukraine and multiple neighbouring countries mobilised for local response and relief efforts along the borders and in Ukraine, assisting refugees and those that remain in cities, towns, and villages and, providing direct support from the early days of the humanitarian crisis. This fast and targeted action by Scouts was made possible with your generous gifts and support to share the appeal globally through your networks.
Watch Scouts in action, responding to the ongoing crisis together through acts of kindness and solidarity, as made possible with your donations.
Humanitarian relief efforts and response
USD 100,000 in funding is being provided directly to NOSU to purchase food, clothing, medicine, sleeping bags, and other necessary supplies for families and communities impacted by the war. In partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, funding is also providing psychological support and educational activities to children and young people in Ukraine.
USD 215,897 is being directed to neighbouring National Scout Organisations in Poland, Moldova, Lithuania, Slovakia, Latvia, Romania, Hungary, Germany, Bulgaria and Czechia, who are coordinating relief efforts for refugees who have been displaced by the humanitarian crisis. These relief efforts include providing transportation from border areas to local accommodations; shelter operations, clothing and sleeping supplies; medical, sanitation and hygiene kits; translation and interpretation services; and educational activities for refugee children and youth to participate in Scouting.
In close collaboration with the Eurasia and European Scout Regions, work is being undertaken to distribute the remaining funds to National Scout Organisations to provide longer-term support for the integration of families and refugees into new communities, and for ongoing recovery and relief efforts as the situation in Ukraine allows.
Supporting children, families and communities
Scouts have supported 223,689 people in Ukraine and neighbouring countries since February 2022. More than 34,740 children and young people are being engaged in Scouting’s educational programme through 34 trainings that have involved over 6,907 volunteers in the delivery of Scouting activities.
As the situation evolves, we are continuing to equip Scouts and National Scout Organisations with the necessary skills to assist with ongoing humanitarian response and recovery efforts, including providing psychological first aid and mental health support, and developing educational materials to promote dialogue and peace-building, such as this guide on “How to talk to children about war”, which was developed by the Junák - Scouts of Czechia and has now been translated into nine languages.
Scouting is the reason we choose this path of service and peace building. It wasn’t until I became involved in this humanitarian response that I realised that Scouting was literally preparing us for any circumstance — the camps we organise, the tents we sleep in, and the responsibility we take at a young age all equipped us to manage the waves of people in need in this crisis” Raluca (25), Romanian Scout.
Inspiring stories and actions from the ground
In addition to this collective effort, we have also seen countless stories of Scout volunteers responding to the crisis and supporting refugees. You can read some of those inspiring stories at the links below:
- Scouting’s emergency response and relief in Ukraine. Read more
- Ukrainian Scouts provide food, shelter and support. Read more
- “A Scout in need is a Scout indeed,” Moldovan Scout helps refugees. Read more
- Scouts support refugees and families fleeing Ukraine across borders. Read more
- Scouts unite for peace and aid in Ukraine. Read more
- Romanian Scouts offer immediate relief and support to refugees from Ukraine. Read more
- UNICEF and World Scouting join forces to support refugee children and families fleeing war in Ukraine. Read more
Once again, in the spirit of Scouting, compassion and unity, thank you very much for your generosity and contributions to support young people, families and communities being impacted by this war.
TAKE ACTION
Scouts worldwide and Scouts in Ukraine's neighbouring countries continue to support those affected by war.
A single or monthly donation to the World Scout Foundation Emergency Fund means continued support for those impacted by natural and manmade disasters.
As always, all donations can be counted towards ongoing BP Fellowship.
Donate now, for the sustainable future of Scouting.
Content creation in collaboration with WOSM, with thanks.
Photo credits: National Organisation of the Scouts of Ukraine, Prokop Laichter, Junák - českÿ skaut; Zwiazek Harcerstwa Polskiego, World Organization of the Scout Movement.