The International Charitable Organization “Roma Women Fund Chirikli” implemented a series of initiatives, including the distribution of humanitarian aid to Roma IDPs, support in shelters, and the provision of psychological and art therapy assistance to displaced Roma children.
The humanitarian aid was delivered from 2023 until June 2025 in Odesa region, particularly in the villages of Korsunci, Poplavka, Beresivka, Petroverivka, and Bolshevik/Odesa.
The assistance included: rubber mattresses, warm clothes, stoves, and tents. Food aid covered items such as flour, oil, tea, cookies, chocolate, grains, sugar, coffee, baby food, powdered milk, and lactose-free milk. In addition, Chirikli provided hygiene items including soap, liquid soap, shower sponges, shampoo, toothbrushes, and laundry powder to meet the personal needs of Roma families.
Psychologists, accompanied by mediators, visited Roma communities during aid distributions. They spoke with Roma women, men, and people with disabilities, asking simple questions about sleep, nutrition, emotional state, and the levels of stress and fear caused by the war.
The main goal of this support was to focus on vulnerable Roma groups, identify their needs, and provide recommendations on how to cope with stress and fear during wartime.
Chirikli organized art therapy sessions and psychological support for Roma children and teenagers in shelters located in Odesa and Mukachevo. The living conditions in these shelters were safe and comfortable.
A total of 30 Roma children and teens attended these sessions. Two volunteer teachers and two psychologists conducted lectures and presentations on Ukrainian culture, music, and traditions, tailored to the geographical context.
Psychologists explained drawing themes and played traditional folk music to create a welcoming classroom environment. Children listened to the music while drawing, and the psychologists interpreted the artworks — analyzing colors and structure to better understand the children’s emotional state. After the drawing sessions, therapeutic dances were conducted.
As a result of these initiatives, more than 200 Roma individuals were protected from hunger and cold weather. Additionally, Roma children, teens, and adults received essential psychological support during the war in Ukraine.
