Unfortunately, many people in Ukraine need help. But there are many organisations ready to provide it: from international foundations to small volunteer groups. But how can they all work together to make the aid effective? How do we make sure that the aid reaches those who require it most and that no one gets it twice and someone else is left with nothing?
The Building Blocks (BB) system was created to solve this complex problem. Think of it as a huge online platform where all aid organisations can share information. It’s like a shared electronic diary where each organisation makes notes about whom they helped, what kind of help they provided, and when. BB helps to avoid duplication, when the same person receives help from several organisations at once, and ensures that resources are distributed fairly so that no one is left behind.
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How Building Block works
When an organisation plans to provide assistance, for example, to pay cash assistance to a family that has lost its home, it contacts BB. But instead of entering first names, surnames, addresses, and other personal information, BB uses special codes to identify people. It’s like a secret code that protects privacy. The organisation provides BB with the code of the person they plan to help. BB immediately checks in its database to see if the person has already received similar assistance from another organisation. If this information is available, BB notifies the organisation. This way, the organisation can reconsider its decision or allocate resources to help those who have not yet received assistance.
The Building Blocks (BB) system plays a key role in the effective organisation of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine, which is facing unprecedented challenges now more than ever. The war has forced millions of people to flee their homes, lose their jobs and savings, and face acute shortages of necessities. In such circumstances, it is crucial that humanitarian aid is delivered in a timely and effective manner and that resources are used to their maximum effect.
BB acts as a centralised platform that brings together a variety of organisations that provide assistance. These can be large international foundations as well as small volunteer groups. BB allows them all to work together as a single mechanism, coordinate their efforts and avoid duplication of aid.
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How BB helps to ensure timely assistance
- Avoiding duplication: BB allows organisations to check whether a person has already received similar assistance from another organisation. This avoids situations where one person receives assistance several times, while another, possibly in a more difficult situation, is left without support.
- Efficient use of resources: BB helps organisations allocate their resources more effectively. Instead of wasting time and money on providing assistance to those who have already received it, organisations can focus on helping those who have not yet received it.
- Coordination of efforts: BB helps organisations coordinate their efforts and work together as a team. This avoids chaos and ensures that assistance is delivered in a timely and effective manner.
- Fair distribution of resources: BB helps ensure that resources are distributed fairly to those in need. The system takes into account various factors such as a person’s level of need, location and other circumstances.
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Security and privacy
BB pays great attention to the security and privacy of personal data. The system does not store personal information such as names, addresses, or telephone numbers. Instead, special codes are used that cannot be linked to a specific person. This ensures that the personal data of people receiving assistance remains confidential.
BB is not just a database, but an important tool that helps humanitarian organisations respond effectively to the crisis in Ukraine. Thanks to BB, aid is becoming more organised, fair and effective, and more people are getting the support they require in a timely manner.
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