A collaboration between several global organisations has seen portable connectivity centres built around Ukraine to provide refugees with connectivity and train medical staff
Charity Computer Aid International has teamed up with several organisations from across the world to deploy a portable connectivity container (PCC) on the ground in Ukraine.
The PCC is one of many of the solar-powered converted shipping containers that are being deployed by Computer Aid and Geeks without Frontiers as part of the N50 response to the refugee crisis in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
However, this one is the first to also provide medical training, thanks to international crisis response organisation Community Organised Relief Effort (CORE), Volyn Medical Institute and the UK’s leading health solutions provider, Simplyhealth.
The centre has been built in Lutsk, Ukraine and opened on December 29.
Simplyhealth donated £30,000 to enable the centre to be built, while Volyn Medical Institute has provided medical students who will be trained on providing healthcare to refugees in need alongside their paramedic training to allow even more people to receive healthcare.
The PCC has been filled with technology such as computers and phones that will allow people who have been affected by the ongoing crisis to access resources and communicate with friends and family.
Vicky Bramley, chief of staff and head of strategy at Simplyhealth said: “Like so many, we watched in disbelief as the conflict in Ukraine unfolded in March 2022. As a purpose-led company, we wanted to respond and support those living through this conflict. We initially matched donations from our colleagues, corporates, dentists and customers, provided opportunities for our colleagues to volunteer and supported colleagues who were taking in refugees, but we didn’t want to stop there.
“We came across the vital work that Computer Aid deliver and saw immediately how we could support those directly on the ground in Ukraine. We donated £30,000 to fund a communications container. During so much uncertainty, helping those who are displaced within Ukraine to stay connected with loved ones is one way we can help someone’s overall wellbeing. While news headlines continue to focus on the latest developments in Ukraine, I am proud that Simplyhealth, with Computer Aid, will soon be able to provide some very practical equipment to those trying to stay connected with friends and families within Ukraine and around the globe.”
Keith Sonnet, CEO at Computer Aid said: “We are delighted that Simplyhealth is supporting the work we’re doing on the ground in Ukraine to support refugees. Their donation will ensure more people have access to professional advice and support regarding their health and wellbeing having been through such traumatic experiences, while also providing them with access to crucial communication and resources.
“It’s important for Simplyhealth and for us to place emphasis on the health issues – both physical and psychological – and do everything that we can to help.”
Tetiana Pastryk, from Volyn Medical Institute, which is providing medical students, said: “Communal higher educational institution Volyn Medical Institute is alma mater for more than 700 students that with a help of PPC will qualify as paramedics. It will provide them with the necessary space for their studies and high-tech equipment that they can use for building up their skills as future life savers. The importance of this qualification does not need any explanation, and at this very difficult time for Ukraine and the whole world time it is even more important that we provide opportunities for students to study and become agents of the healthcare system.”
