[Ukraine] Three Years of Ongoing War (Series 1)
“Support for People in War Zones”
Interview with Mayumi Kuramochi, in charge of Ukraine operations
It has been three years since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. During this time, Russia’s intense attacks have continued, and the people of Ukraine haven’t had a moment of respite, both physically and mentally. Peace Winds has been providing various forms of support since the moment of the invasion – including evacuation assistance, food and supplies for shelters, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals for hospitals, repairs to destroyed kindergartens, and provision of learning materials for schools. While these types of support remain necessary amidst the ongoing conflict, as the crisis enters its fourth year, new forms of assistance are becoming increasingly important. We spoke to Mayumi Kuramochi, who is stationed in neighboring Moldova and in charge of Ukraine operations.
Kuramochi interacting with a therapy dog at a shelter
――What kind of support projects are currently being carried out in Ukraine?
One of the projects we are currently carrying out is psychological care for children in schools in northern Chernihiv. Recently, we held the first group therapy session for boys and girls aged 13 to 15 at a middle school. This project is supported by the Felissimo Global Village Fund and is a four-month project. Adolescence is a time when significant physical and mental changes occur, and it’s challenging even without external factors. However, Ukrainian children are carrying heavy anxiety and stress under the conditions of war. Additionally, in many cases, children are unaware of the emotional wounds they carry, or they don’t understand what is happening. Therefore, through various activities, psychiatrists guide them to help alleviate some of the burden they are feeling.
――The stress of growing up during a time of war must be immense.
Kuramochi: Yes. I really felt this when I was working on a mobile healthcare project in Chernihiv. Along with gynecological check-ups, we provided individual counseling and group therapy as part of psychological care. I saw that the women, who normally maintained a strong facade in front of their families, would break down in tears as they shared their experiences of sending loved ones to the battlefield or losing them. After three years of war, I believe everyone in Ukraine requires emotional care. From the stories we hear, it’s clear that they are reaching their physical and mental limits. Their suffering is hard to recognize or communicate through appearance, but I strongly believe that now is the time for essential support.
――What other projects are you working on?
Kuramochi: We are currently crowdfunding for a project to install generators in kindergartens in Chernihiv region. Due to Russia’s attacks on infrastructure, Ukraine is experiencing frequent power outages. When there is an attack, children in kindergartens are forced to take refuge in underground shelters, but if there’s a power outage, they have to spend hours in the cold and darkness. Additionally, it becomes difficult to prepare warm meals. To improve this situation, we aim to deliver generators. Ideally, we would like to raise the target amount and install solar panels to provide a more sustainable power supply.
Peace Winds Staff In an Underground shelter.
――Kuramochi-san, you previously worked in Cambodia with another NGO. How does Ukraine compare to that experience?
Kuramochi: My work in Cambodia focused on educational support after the civil war had ended. The goals of improving life in the context of poverty were relatively clear. However, Ukraine is in the midst of an ongoing war, and the global situation is constantly shifting, so we have no idea what will happen next. The support that people need is also changing. It’s a real challenge to figure out how to help people in Japan understand the support the Ukrainian people need. This is something I’m grappling with right now.
When I ask people living in shelters, “What do you need?” the most common response is “Nothing.” Then, they often add, “We just want to go home.” I want to continue providing as much support as possible, hoping to ease this emotional pain, even if only a little.
