We Stand with Ukrainian Refugees

Since February 24^th, Ukrainians have faced the ravages of war—and the world has felt a tectonic shift. Now, over two million refugees from Ukraine have fled, seeking refuge in Europe.

There are headlines to read, sound bites to listen to, horrific videos to watch, all documenting the terrible upheaval. But what is all too familiar to us at Questscope is the human-sized, personal side of this crisis. It’s one that has echoes for us—personally and organizationally—from the past 40 years. And it is this human-sized crisis that we, as cultivators of the mind and spirit, will continue to advocate for and respond to.

In 2005, we mobilized our resources for Iraqi refugees in Jordan. In 2012, we responded to displaced Syrians in Syria, Jordan, and Germany. These events left deep and enduring impacts on us all. We have borne witness to the human side of war, those “small,” everyday calamities that don’t make the headlines.

We listen deeply: to the husband’s regrets that he wasn’t there when his family’s house was bombed. To the child’s description of their neighborhood on fire. To the feelings of loss and despair that come with having everything you’ve known torn away in an instant, facing an unknown future. War gets very personal. Very fast. Each individual, each family is confronted with what war does. 

Right now, Questscope and its partners are going human-centered. We’re going close to people. Because that’s what we do.

Teammates from our partner Alight are currently on the ground at the Ukraine-Polish border, listening to those seeking refuge. The team is also connecting with local organizations to understand what resources they require, to help build on local capacities and abilities.

These very close-to-the-ground answers will guide us in the coming weeks and months so that Questscope can respond wisely and compassionately to engage with people escaping the devastation of war.

Trauma recovery is one of the three key pillars of Questscope’s programming. Ukrainian refugees are just beginning the process of addressing and processing their trauma, much like Syrian refugees when they first arrived in Za’atari Refugee Camp. We have the experience, knowledge, and tools to help support people’s well-being as they find their way through the distortions of war. To help them respond personally to their own personal devastation.

Now is the time to go small in a big way. Because in the big picture of war, each person matters. And that is not a small challenge to rise to.

In the coming days and weeks, we will develop our collaborative, human-centered response. And we will continue to stand by the people of Ukraine, as we first stood by Iraqi and Syrian refugees just a few short years ago.

If you want to receive updates on how Questscope’s unique brand of support is developing, you can sign up for our newsletter by going to our homepage and scrolling to the bottom.

In solidarity and gratitude,

All of us at Questscope