Alina ― is an internally displaced woman who moved with her two children from Shostka. She made this decision together with her husband to make the children's lives safer and calmer. In Klyshki, the village where she moved with her children, Alina started farming and needed to update her garden equipment and other means to run her own farm. In this, she was helped by her participation in the project of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Ukraine "Support in the livelihood of households from among IDPs and the local rural population affected by the war from among vulnerable categories of the Shostky district of the Sumy region", which is implemented by the public organization "Association of Democratic Development".

Next, read Ms. Alina's story about why she took part in the project, what help she was able to get and how it affected her life.

I am now an IDP and live in the village of Klyshki. I don't work, I farm — gardens, pigs, chickens, geese. Previously, together with our children and husband, we lived in Shostka. Many times it happened that "arrived" next to our house. Children began to fear. The youngest son went to bed and covered his ears with his hands. He said that he would sleep like this so as not to hear anything. That's why we decided that I was moving to the village with my children. Although the city has all the living conditions, it is much calmer for children here —, although they can sleep well. Education continues at the Shostkin school online.

Dmytro Oleksiyovych, the head of Klyshkiv, wrote in the village chat that it is possible to issue assistance via the Internet from the NGO "Association for Democratic Development" and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Ukraine. I already filled out similar applications, but I thought that nothing would work out, just like last time. And this time it turned out. After filling out the questionnaire, they called the Association for Democratic Development. They informed me that I could get help and invited me to a meeting in Shostka. We came, listened to a lecture, presented us with a brochure, talked about the terms of the contract and the report. After signing the contract, the money came to the account.

Even before I got the money, I already planned what I would buy. Previously, it was not possible to purchase new garden equipment, equipment, etc. You see, when there are children, — they need to be dressed, fed. Such prices are high that you come to the store and count what is enough for. In the word ―, shovels and chainsaws were not my priority. And here is — money, which can be spent only on means for farming. Only for that! I had so many emotions!

We bought grain, poultry feed, a cultivator, garden equipment. They took two wheelbarrows to pack onions from the garden, pumpkins, and so on. They bought goats, shovels, chainsaws and secateurs to cut the bushes.

When I went shopping, I go to the store and say: "I need all the best". It should serve for a long time, because who knows when it will be possible to renew something again. The saleswoman offered me different options. For example, there was a small ladder — I said I wanted a big one. If you take it, then good. Of course, I made sure that all the checks would be issued to me so that the financial report could be drawn up correctly. 

There was even a story: I bought it, I carry my cars, a ladder, etc. outside. The saleswoman asked how I would take everything or get into the car. I say: "The main thing — is that it is mine. I will carry it on the hill, if it does not fit". It was such a drive — bought everything I wanted. She probably spent all the money in an hour. It was such a thrill. Now I remember and experience all these emotions again.

Of course, I am satisfied. Such support. God grant that this will continue to be — to support families. First of all, it became much easier for me to work in the garden and take care of the farm. Now there is everything you need: tools, — equipment and these are not temporary things, but something that will last for many years. Now I don't worry that the old sapa will break at the most inopportune moment.

And another — emotional state. When you live in constant stress because of war, every good event matters. For me, this support has become more than just financial assistance. It was a signal that we are not forgotten, that we are not alone. It's very breathtaking. Such moments add strength to move on.

Ms. Alina's story shows how targeted livelihood assistance to households from among IDPs and war-affected local rural populations can make a real difference. In the difficult conditions of Sumy Oblast, where many families continue to live and run a household, such support becomes an important support. For this family, participation in the project also had an emotional and psychological effect: the feeling that they are remembered and that help really reaches people added strength and inspiration to move on. 

The story of Alina — is an example of how local support can not only meet the material needs of an internally displaced family, but also restore a sense of security and peace.

The project is implemented by the NGO "Association of Democratic Development" together with Норвезькою радою у справах біженців (NRC) в Україні with the support of Norway.