Half of Ukrainians cannot afford necessity goods

A constant topic of conversation for volunteers and their family and friends that come to visit Ukraine is the gap between the have and have nots. A two-week tour of the country leaves a great impression of beautiful countryside, hospitable people, and lots of potential. It's difficult to understand why Peace Corps is operating in this country in comparison to images sent to us from parts of Africa and Asia. I don't want to start a rant about why Ukraine needs love and attention, but I'd like to say that so much of what is presented to visitors to this country is a facade. On the surface, despite the political and economic headlines, the country is working. You can see with your own eyes renovated apartments, nice cars, and talented children.

Simplifying a complex issue, Ukrainians have been taught to show their best face to outsiders. The Soviet system was all about showing off the wealth of the country, there are stories of foreign correspondent visits to kolkhozes of utopian quality. Only, the people were given food and pressed clothes for the day that were taken away once the media left. This reaction of presenting the best side has trinkled down to the individual. On the one hand it's upsetting because it creates a false impression that can cause others to take advantage. It delays attention to much needed help. On the other hand, it has taught me how to present myself despite some missing pieces.

from ForUm-

The results of a household opinion survey conducted by the State Statistics Committee showed that over 40% of Ukrainian families cannot afford even the most necessary goods. Though the results showed a certain positive trend, on the whole they are unfavorable. It turned out that 40.6% of Ukrainian families constantly refrain from buying the most necessary goods (this figure was 43.6% last year). Of them, 3.1% cannot even provide enough food (3.4% last year) and almost half of the polled (47.8% against 45.3% last year) said they have enough money for daily expenses, but do not have any savings.

Only every ninth family (11.6%) has the possibility of putting away money for a rainy day, Kyivweeklyreported.

Rural families were more optimistic about their well-being, which experts attributed to the lower cost of living in the rural areas and that fact that these people live off their private farms.

Pollsters asked how respondents would spend additional incomes and received the following answers:

medical treatment and recreation

improvement of living conditions

purchasing clothing and footwear

purchasing household appliances

improvement of nutrition and education

education

putting away savings.