Four Years of Full-Scale Russian Invasion: Helvetas Strengthens Reconstruction and Local Economy in Ukraine
The Swiss organization Helvetas continues its support in Ukraine – four years after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. The focus is on rebuilding critical infrastructure and strengthening the local economy. Helvetas is now working with Swiss company Divario on a SECO project to support people affected by war with sustainable modular houses.
Tuesday, February 24, marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The situation in Ukraine remains dire: Millions of people have been displaced, vital infrastructure continues to be attacked, and many communities are suffering from the severe economic consequences of the ongoing war. Against this backdrop, Helvetas, the Swiss organization for development cooperation and humanitarian aid, is working with local partners to systematically progress reconstruction efforts – strengthening both critical infrastructure and the Ukrainian economy. Helvetas is now working with the Swiss company Divario in a SECO project to build environmentally sustainable modular houses for families in need who have been affected by the war.
«People who have lost their homes cannot wait for the war to end. They need a safe roof over their heads, functioning infrastructure, and economic prospects now», says Melchior Lengsfeld, CEO of Helvetas.
Overview of Helvetas' commitment in Ukraine:
Reconstruction of critical infrastructure
Helvetas has shifted its focus from emergency humanitarian aid to reconstruction. Together with Ukrainian partner organizations, it has so far provided over 50,000 people with shelter, health services, and a secure supply of water, electricity, and heat. Helvetas is supporting a total of 81 projects to repair or rebuild war-damaged infrastructure.
New public-private partnership
Helvetas is now working with Divario AG, a Swiss company with a production facility in Ukraine that manufactures modular houses locally and sustainably, as part of SECO-supported reconstruction projects in Ukraine. Currently, 330 modular houses are being built for families who have lost their homes.
Thanks to its work on the ground, Helvetas knows where the need for housing is greatest and ensures that the modular houses benefit those who need support most urgently. Divario AG combines Swiss expertise with Ukrainian production. “This project not only creates urgently needed housing, but also sets an example for resource-efficient construction in Ukraine and creates new jobs,” says Thomas Mauget of Helvetas, a specialist in humanitarian coordination responsible for Ukraine.
Strengthening Ukrainian SMEs – a central pillar
Small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the Ukrainian economy. To strengthen their resilience, Helvetas awards microgrants, supports start-ups, and enables the reconstruction of damaged businesses. So far, 330 grants have been awarded.
Additional training courses provide entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to overcome the challenges of a war-torn market. Last year, over 1,800 free consultations were offered. The services include, for example, legal advice and tax compliance under martial law.
Vocational training for particularly affected groups
Internally displaced persons, veterans, and people with disabilities often have great difficulty finding work. Helvetas therefore offers vocational and technical training and further education in collaboration with local vocational schools in professions that are in high demand on the Ukrainian labor market. The programs secure income and enable social participation.
Humanitarian aid remains central
The need is still great and supplies are critical in many places. Ukrainian organizations are providing most of the humanitarian aid, but access to international funds remains difficult. Helvetas is therefore providing targeted support to local actors: financially, organizationally, and through knowledge transfer, so that they can provide rapid and effective assistance.
