Mission Without Borders has worked in Ukraine since the years of the Cold War. Based in the region of Rivne, employing only Ukrainian nationals, Mission Without Borders has established various aid, health and Christian outreach programs aimed at meeting the needs of some of Ukraine’s most vulnerable people.

Our programs are faced with the combined problems of debilitating poverty and health. The nearby Chernobyl disaster led to the contamination of water, soil and food resulting in malnutrition, anaemia and reduced immunity to disease. It also led to the displacement of thousands of people and the demise of local industry. The collapse of both the local and national economy has left many destitute. Ukraine has many dilapidated and overcrowded orphanages. In 2001, Mission Without Borders decided to expand its Child Sponsorship Programme to include homes in Ukraine.

Besides supporting children’s homes in Ukraine, Mission Without Borders supports community centers and implemented a family program, vocational training centers and a Mother Care project.

• Population: 47.8 million (UN, 2005)
• Capital: Kiev
• Area: 603,700 sq km (233,090 sq miles)
• Major languages: Ukrainian (official), Russian
• Major religion: Christianity
• Life expectancy: 65 years (men), 75 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 NZ dollar = 3.98 Ukrainian Hryvnia
• Main exports: Military equipment, metals, pipes, machinery, petroleum products, textiles, agricultural products
• GNI per capita: US $1,260 (World Bank, 2005)