March recap: bridging needs, from local action to global impact

Middle East: Fresh food distributions in Gaza

In Gaza, access to food – especially fresh, nutritious items – has become extremely limited as conditions continue to deteriorate. With ongoing restrictions on goods entering, shortages persist and access to basic supplies remains severely constrained.

For many families, fruits and vegetables are no longer a given, but increasingly out of reach.

Through our partner Anera, 533 fresh produce baskets were distributed to households facing acute food insecurity, reaching an estimated 2,665 people.

Each basket included tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cucumbers, carrots, apples, and citrus, covering 7-10 days of more varied, nutritious meals. All produce was sourced from local farmers still operating under severe constraints, supporting livelihoods while ensuring food reaches those who need it most.

We supported this intervention to bridge urgent gaps, working through partners who understand local needs and can respond quickly.

At the same time, we moved quickly as the situation in the Middle East shifted. Within days, we were in direct contact with our local partners in Lebanon to assess needs and activate a targeted response.

A first project is already underway, focused on addressing urgent gaps identified on the ground. More on this soon.

Ukraine: From school buses to classrooms

Last month, we shared an update on our Ukraine school bus project, which had arrived in the country and was handed over to the Ukrainian embassy.

This month, the bus reached Krolevets, a community close to the front line. Filled with supplies, it was received by local children – a reminder of how collective action can quickly turn into tangible impact.

What started from needs identified on the ground became something much bigger, with People for People acting as a bridge between those needs and the willingness of businesses in the Netherlands to help.

Education remains one of our key pillars. That’s why it didn’t stop there. Shortly after, another transport was sent directly from Friesland to Ukraine together with our partner LifeLine Ukraine – this time filled with school furniture.

Want to support education projects like this? There are always ways to get involved, in Ukraine and beyond.

Partnerships: the glue for us

Partnerships are at the core of everything we do. They enable us to respond quickly and connect resources to real needs.

This month, through one of our partners, baby formula was delivered to Ukraine – reaching hospitals, displaced families, and rural communities.

The Netherlands: People for People Day in Nieuwegein

Sometimes impact is closer than we think.

At the AZC in Nieuwegein, we restarted our People for People Days with a group of unaccompanied minor refugees, most of whom have been in the Netherlands for less than four months.

47 out of 49 boys were present, with backgrounds from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan and Guinea. The day marked their transition into education.

Together with partners like Combibrug, COA and ISK teachers, the focus was simple and practical: sports, creative workshops and conversations. Backpacks filled with essentials were donated and distributed to all participants, helping them start school prepared and able to take part from day one. Teachers joined throughout the day, not in a classroom setting, but by being present. One even brought a chessboard as a gift, which was immediately put to use.

The creative workshop stood out. Participants reflected on what they were most proud of, and afterwards, a group returned to ask if they could hang up their work themselves.

Partners also reflected on the day. From ISK teachers joining in their own time, to Combibrug noting the openness and energy of the group – despite many of them having only just arrived in the Netherlands.

These days remind us that impact isn’t only about logistics or supplies, it’s also about sharing time, skills, and human connection.

Looking ahead

April is already shaping up to be an active month.

This week, we’ll be present as a social partner at the Young Impact Summit: an event bringing together 500 participants.

Here, we’ve been invited to lead the “Gelijke Kansen” workshop. Together with participating businesses, and in collaboration with our partner Clean the World, we’ll roll up our sleeves and assemble hygiene kits for children in Ukraine.

On April 11th, we’ll host another People for People Day in Amsterdam, in collaboration with Hocus Pocus. At the COA Galaxy location – home to around 1,500 residents – the focus will be on activating a community hub for young adults and women. More on that soon.

Want to get involved as a business, volunteer, or NGO partner?