Twenty years ago, Agricultural Missions (AMI) designed and implemented a program in Liberia and Sierra Leone to assist rural communities in their recovery and rehabilitation following concurrent civil wars. These struggles destroyed rural villages and towns, collapsed the social and physical infrastructure, and displaced much of the rural population as villagers fled for the relative safety of cities and large towns.

Week of Compassion has been a faithful funding partner of AMI’s West Africa Initiative (WAI) over the last decade. WAI programs focus on improving food security, advancing the status of women and girls, and promoting the participation and leadership of youth within their communities.

The continuing conflict in Ukraine has led to significant internal displacement, with many people migrating from the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine to safer western regions which are less affected by the ongoing conflict. 

In the initial phase of displacement, humanitarian assistance from international organizations and the Ukrainian government included shelter, food, medical care, and essential supplies. While these efforts helped to address immediate needs, the transition from emergency aid to sustainable solutions continues to be a critical challenge. Medium and long-term livelihood development, which includes integrating internally displaced people (IDPs) into local economies, will be essential if stability and well-being is to be achieved.