BURchik in Moshchun

Who are we? NGO "Building Ukraine Together". We create opportunities for youth to become agents of change in the country through volunteering.

For over 10 years we have been involved in physical reconstruction of our country and creating a proactive community. As of 2022, we restored homes for 370 people and created 58 youth centers.

This time the Kyiv branch of BUR wants to conduct a BURchik in Kyiv region. BURchik is a local construction action, work happens twice a week (usually on weekends), when volunteers come and work on the construction site under the guidance of experienced craftsmen.

With our project we want to help a family from the village of Moshchun, Kyiv region. Their home was destroyed during fighting in spring 2022. Overall, about 70% of private buildings in the village were damaged.

"From 24 [February] to March 1, I and my family: husband, minor daughter, disabled son, also my elder daughter with granddaughter (3 years old) and husband, stayed in the village and saw all the horrors that russian peace brought.

…

On the 4th day of war a mine hit the neighboring house, in minutes the house completely burned down, though our men tried to extinguish it.

…

Before we went in, a mortar shell hit the nearby forest, we heard fragments flying, we immediately ran to the cellar. When the neighbor was last to enter – EXPLOSION. We were all deafened, all the plaster fell into our eyes. After a few hours the men dared to go outside. About 3 meters from the cellar a crater formed: the fence that was there could be collected like puzzles, the corner of the house was broken and full of holes, gas started leaking…"

Moshchun is called the shield of Kyiv, the "battle for Moshchun" forced occupiers to retreat from Kyiv. The village was almost completely destroyed and, unfortunately, reconstruction by the end of 2023 had not yet begun.

When we spoke with the affected family, they were already living in their fourth temporary housing. For the second year they are forced to constantly move from place to place.

Last year we already conducted a BURchik on their property. At that time they had built the frame of a new house and volunteers helped them insulate the house.

However, the house is still uninhabitable due to lack of interior renovation. Together with you we can help them. Thanks to raised funds and volunteers' work, another family will be able to regain their home and their life.

We also hope to improve the morale of the affected family members. After all, volunteers are always a great source of energy and positivity. And we have repeatedly observed what impact the mere fact that people gathered specifically to help them had on those we help.

But that's not all.

One of our constant aspirations is spreading the culture of volunteering and expanding our community.

Thanks to our project, many Ukrainians will be able to learn about BUR's activities and the opportunity to become a volunteer and help their community. We are confident that most of them will want to join the volunteer movement to rebuild Ukraine together.