In 2023, the harsh realities of conflict, displacement, natural disaster, and extreme hunger impacted the lives of millions of people worldwide. As World Vision responded, we witnessed moments of both hardship and hope. See the incredible images of resilience, determination, and even joy that World Vision’s communicators were able to capture in this extraordinary year.
News & Stories
Eastern Europe
Prayers
Peace on earth: Pray for people in conflict zones
In times of emergencies and disasters, including the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, earthquakes in Afghanistan, and the war in Ukraine, children bear the heaviest burden. Join us in praying for places with critical humanitarian needs, where daily struggles for basic necessities affect children, families, and communities.
From the Field
How’d they do that: DIY Christmas crafts from around the world
There’s something special about handmade crafts at Christmastime. So we asked some of the children and families we help around the world to share their favorite Christmas crafts with you! Learn how to make DIY Christmas crafts from Armenia, Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, Lesotho, and the Philippines.
From the Field
In the kitchen: Moldovan plăcintă recipe
Plăcintă — a pastry stuffed with savory or sweet fillings — offers a tasty comfort-food treat in countries throughout Eastern Europe. In Moldova, whole restaurants are devoted to this delicious popular dish.
From the Field
Celebrating Easter in a time of war
Orthodox Easter celebrations across Eastern Europe involve the passing of the holy fire from priest to congregation. Then people arrive to receive blessings on baskets of food, which they eat from to break their Lenten fast. In 2022, those ceremonies took on even more significance as churches and Moldovans welcomed refugees from Ukraine.
From the Field
5 essential lessons we’ve learned responding to earthquakes
World Vision’s global director for humanitarian operations, Isabel Gomes, shares insight on earthquake response from her 25 years in humanitarian work.
From the Field
Voices of Ukraine: Praying through the crisis
Ukrainian refugees and families displaced in the war-torn country share moments of their lives. Join us in praying through their stories as families continue to cope every day and look for hope during this conflict.
From the Field
In photos: 22 memorable moments from 2022
In 2022, war in Ukraine made refugees of millions, disrupted crop exports, and sent food and fuel prices soaring in many parts of the world. This, combined with the lingering impacts of COVID-19, extreme weather conditions, and ongoing unrest in many countries, left millions of people globally on the verge of famine. Despite such dire circumstances, World Vision photographers witnessed many moments of joy and strength in communities where we work around the world. Here are 22 of our favorites.
From the Field
Top disasters of 2022
In 2022, World Vision responded to 58 disasters in 57 countries, helping more than 31.1 million people with relief aid they needed to survive. Learn more about some of the top disasters of 2022.
From the Field
Helping refugees from Ukraine during a time of crisis
Learn how World Vision is caring for Ukrainian refugees as well as people in neighboring countries who are opening their homes, volunteering to serve, and working to create a sense of home in this time of trouble.