The second convening of the Transform Apostolove Alliance was recently held, attended by representatives from three out of five local churches, the esteemed mayor of Apostolove, and three of her distinguished deputies. During this meeting, I had the privilege of presenting the transformative initiatives of the Transform Uzhhorod Alliance, showcasing a model for potential replication in this community.
The honorable mayor provided an insightful update on the city’s demographics, noting a significant population decline from 13,000 to a lower figure due to the ongoing conflict, with a displacement of residents and an influx of 2,700 internally displaced persons (IDPs), including 600 children. These individuals have been displaced from areas currently under occupation. The city has been receiving monthly nutritional aid from the NGO Adra, with plans to augment this support. Additionally, the government is contributing a monthly stipend to support adults and children.
Current municipal efforts are directed towards encouraging former residents to return and facilitating suitable housing for IDPs to foster their long-term settlement in Apostolove. The impact of the conflict on educational infrastructure was also discussed, with varying degrees of damage to local schools and a pivot to online learning for most students.
Local churches have been instrumental in providing humanitarian assistance, encompassing food, clothing, and medical supplies, along with organizing recreational day camps for youth. The immediate needs of IDPs, particularly for infant care products and general hygiene items, were highlighted as areas of urgent attention.
Deliberations led to a collective decision to organize a seminar on Christian financial stewardship, which will be complemented by smaller, focused groups aimed at financial planning. These initiatives also serve as platforms for the churches to engage with the community and express their faith-based support.
A highlight of the visit was the inspection of the innovative project undertaken by the city—a kindergarten within the safety of an underground facility, doubling as a bomb shelter, to ensure uninterrupted education amidst necessary air raid precautions.
The day’s events culminated with Pastor Pavel Holub, Bishop of the Church of God Ukraine and co-founder of the Transform Apostolove Alliance, and myself, being extended the distinct honor of being the inaugural signatories in the new city register of special guests, symbolizing our blessings and good wishes for the city of Apostolove.