Two major Christian charitable communities – the Knights of Columbus and the Order of Malta – have pooled their resources to improve and reinforce humanitarian aid to those in need in war-struck Ukraine.
By Karol Darmoros
The war in Ukraine has resulted in closer cooperation between two major Christian charitable communities—the Knights of Columbus and the Order of Malta. Through the “Kindermobil” project and professional first-aid training, the youngest victims receive psychological support, while adults learn how to save lives in extreme conditions
The partnership between the Knights of Columbus and the Order of Malta emerged from concrete needs. As Valentyna Paliuha, project coordinator at the Maltese Relief Service, explains, the Knights of Columbus approached the Order to pool resources.
“Together we concluded that volunteers from the Malteser Relief Service have a strong capacity to provide psycho-emotional support for children, while the Knights of Columbus receive many requests to organise such meetings,” she said.
Malteser International is the worldwide relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta.
Certificates from professional first-aid training
A safe space for children
A key element of the initiative is “Kindermobil”—a mobile support program reaching children affected by war trauma. Psychologist Viktoriia Shulha emphasizes that the primary goal is to give children, in this traumatic time, a safe space for “psycho-emotional relief.” As she explains, the idea is simple: to allow children to have a childhood.
The project helps break down fear and withdrawal. Roman Zinkevych, a member of Council No. 18687 named after Josyf Slipyj in Velyka Berezovytsia, speaks about the crisis many children are experiencing.
“They are withdrawn; it’s hard for them to start trusting anyone because they carry fear within them. The “Kindermobil” project helps children open up, discover their talents, and show who they really are,” he says.
During the sessions, participants take part in team games and art therapy. Little Daria, one of the participants, recalls enthusiastically: “I really liked all the games. There were sports games too—we worked together as a team.”
Learning to save lives
Alongside support for children, the Knights of Columbus place strong emphasis on first-aid training. In today’s Ukrainian reality, this skill has become essential for every citizen.
“This fits perfectly with one of the core principles of our Order of the Knights of Columbus: fraternity, unity among brothers, patriotism, and mercy. When someone feels unwell, we can help,” says Myroslav Zvarych, a member of Council No. 17487 in Ternopil.
The practical value of these trainings is confirmed by Vasyl Yatsynyk, who has already had to use his knowledge several times, including when assisting an unconscious man at a bus stop.
“The more one knows, and the more often they practice—apply their knowledge—the better the outcome will always be. I encourage men to join the Knights of Columbus, because within the community you grow spiritually and gain knowledge,” he appeals.
A shared mission of service
For participants, the coalition of the Knights of Columbus and the Order of Malta is a natural result of shared values.
“We have the same mission—the mission of helping the poor and those in need. I think we should unite and help together,” notes Nazar Bachynskyi, a seminarian and member of the Knights of Columbus.
This cooperation not only helps alleviate the effects of war but also lays the groundwork for the future rebuilding of a society rooted in Christian solidarity.
