Projects aimed at supporting residents of Shostkinsk and Yampil communities of Sumy Oblast do not end at the stage of providing monetary assistance. It is important to assess exactly how livelihood support for households has affected people's lives, contributed to increasing their self-sufficiency and well-being. That is why the team of the Association for Democratic Development is currently conducting post-monitoring visits. The purpose of these visits is to assess the effectiveness of the use of funds by project participants and identify the problems they face.
During visits to project participants, the organization's specialists were able to see how the funds were used, what equipment, goods or services were purchased, and how much the purchased property makes it easier for project participants to manage the economy. This is one of the criteria that the aid really meets the needs of households from among IDPs and the local war-affected population, and that the support provided was aimed at long-term improvement of living conditions.
Direct dialogue with people is especially valuable during post-monitoring. Their stories testify not only to the material, but also to the psychological effect of the support provided.
"The next day, after receiving the funds for the card, she went to the store to buy the inventory that she wrote in the application. It was such a thrill. I come and say to the saleswoman: "I need a ladder". It offers various options, cheaper, etc. And I'm like to her: "Let's be that big one, I need a good one. Money is." This is the first time when I was able to buy the necessary equipment for household work and not think about what to save on, because there is not enough money. I am very satisfied", Ms. Alina shared her experience.
"I can imagine, the payment came to my birthday. My daughter and son-in-law and I went and bought everything. So much was bought: both a net and an autoclave, poultry feed, broilers... As the leaves fall from the trees, we will finish the fence for the bird, so that I can not worry that the otter will drag them", Ms. Halyna said.
Each story of a participant in the — project is a confirmation that such assistance is extremely necessary and important for IDPs and those affected by the war in the Sumy region. We will share some stories of project participants with you a little later.
The project is implemented by the NGO "Association for Democratic Development" together with the Norwegian Refugee Council in Ukraine (NRC) with the support of Norway and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany.
