Within just three weeks of war breaking out in Ukraine, over two million refugees had crossed the border into Poland. Overwhelmingly, it is women and children who have been forced to flee. Many of the people arriving have been traumatised by brutal warfare and left their homes and wider community with only what they carry on their arduous journey to safety. The range of facilities needed to support these women and children will be complex and long lasting.
Advent has committed part of its emergency Ukrainian relief fund to a joint venture run by the Omenaa Foundation and Ashoka, which will provide shelter and support to women and children in Poland – where the need is currently greatest.
The project will create safe centres that treat Ukrainian mothers and children with dignity and care and ensure they are well fed. It will also provide full access to legal, healthcare and psychological and cultural support to mothers as they seek to rebuild their lives in a new country. In addition, training and matching services will be provided to help women find the jobs that best suit their talents. Furthermore, at least 500 jobs will be created in areas where this new talent can work to improve the overall wellbeing of wider Polish society. For the children, the program has teamed up with Teach for Poland, so that every child will have a chance to discover and develop their own potential. It is building a team of teachers, psychologists and children’s entertainers to operate an educational programme that is purpose built around the needs of the Ukrainian children fleeing violence. Over time, the project aims to create 10 centres and care for the needs of at least 10,000 refugees.
The Omenaa Foundation was founded by Omenaa Mensah, a Polish TV star and businesswoman. The Foundation primarily focuses on providing The Omenaa Foundation was founded by Omenaa Mensah, a Polish TV star and businesswoman. The Foundation primarily focuses on providing education to children around the world who are deprived access to it. Traditionally it has operated in Africa and on providing computer equipment and other facilities to underprivileged kids in Poland. The foundation is collaborating with Ashoka, a global social impact charity, as well as other Polish charities and civic society groups to provide immediate help and support as Poland deals with this unprecedented wave of refugees.