Not everything was in stock for the first few months, especially in the west of Ukraine, a lot had to get going. “The hardware stores are open as usual, but it’s not that everything goes as fast as in the Netherlands in terms of the delivery of building materials.” Nevertheless, efforts are being made to rebuild the city, in collaboration with the local population. For example, houses are repaired, tiny houses are built and other repair work is carried out. “We have already built twenty tiny houses. Mainly for widows and for mothers with children whose fathers are fighting or have died at the front. What I find special to see is how retired men build walls while their sons fight in the war.”
Joël from Utrecht helps as a volunteer in the Ukrainian city of Irpin: ‘It is never 100 percent safe’
