£400k from Jersey to help train Ukrainians in bomb disposal

Tuesday 21 February 2023

A new £400,000 donation from Jersey to Ukraine will help fund essential medical supplies, sending generators to support health facilities in the southern city of Mykolaiv, and bomb-disposal training for Ukrainians.

The latest funding boost from Jersey Overseas to help the worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine brings the total donated by Jersey to organisations delivering assistance in the country to over £3million in the past year.

“As we approach one year since the devastating conflict began, the humanitarian situation is worsening, and the need for assistance only continues to rise,” said Jersey’s Minister for International Development, Deputy Carolyn Labey.

“By supporting two trusted humanitarian partners in Crown Agents and Friends Of Ukraine-EOD, Jersey is continuing to provide targeted, life-saving assistance that can be delivered quickly and effectively to those facing hugely challenging conditions.” 

One of the organisations receiving JOA support is Friends of Ukraine EOD, a Guernsey-registered charity which is providing Ukrainians, many of them women, with bomb-disposal training on specialist, accredited courses.

More than 250,000 explosive devices have already been removed and destroyed in Ukraine since March 2022, but millions more exist, the JOA said.

Pictured: FOU-EOD recruits undertaking their training which has been funded by JOA. (MAT Kosovo/ FoU-EOD)

FOU-EOD founder Ben Remfrey said: "The work we do is making a significant difference in Ukraine. The beneficiaries of this training, funded by Jersey Overseas Aid, will be upskilled, enabling the survey and area reduction of the land contaminated by the explosive remnants of war.

"The funds provided by JOA go directly to building skilled national capacity, and those trained will continue to be best prepared for combating the effects of the war in Ukraine for years to come. We are blessed to be able to say the work continues thanks to Jersey.

"JOA’s impact resonates far beyond Jersey’s tranquil shores, and I can speak for many and express my sincere thanks to the people of Jersey for what you have done and what you continue to do for Ukraine."

The Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal remains open for donations. JOA does not accept donations, but these can be made through local charity Side-By-Side at: sidebyside.je.

Pictured top: FOU-EOD is providing Ukrainians, many of them women, with bomb-disposal training on specialist courses.