CARE International’s history in Poland
CARE first worked in Poland in 1946, delivering the well-known CARE Package — our first aid initiative with essential staples — in the aftermath of World War II. Over the decades, CARE returned during periods of severe economic and political crisis in the country, including from 1957–1970, 1981–1984, and 1991–1994.
During these years, CARE and our partners provided humanitarian aid to communities in need. This work included distributing relief parcels in rural areas, donating ambulances, and helping flood survivors in mountainous regions.
Following the escalation of the war in Ukraine in 2022, CARE re-established operations in Poland to support people fleeing the conflict. In 2025, CARE Poland reached more than 400,000 people with humanitarian and recovery support.
CARE and partners’ work in Poland today
We support Ukrainian refugees and host communities by addressing urgent needs while helping refugees rebuild their lives and secure long-term opportunities in Poland.
Our work focuses on:
Making the economy work
Through programs such as U-TEACH, U-HEAL, and U-READY, we support teachers, nurses, midwives, and young people not currently studying or working t to develop new skills and access long-term work opportunities in Poland.
Humanitarian aid and protection
In Przemyśl, near the Polish-Ukrainian border, CARE works with the Association of Ukrainians in Poland (Przemyśl branch) to provide cash assistance, counselling, referrals, and safe spaces for vulnerable refugees.
CARE works closely with local organizations, many of which are women-led, to ensure support is based on communities’ most urgent needs.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the centre of CARE’s work in Poland, as many refugees from Ukraine are women and children.
Together with local partners, CARE supports women and girls to:
- Access safe spaces and psychosocial support
- Receive information about their rights and available services
- Strengthen access to employment and professional development opportunities
- Reduce risks of violence against women and girls
CARE co-facilitates the Mother and Child Room near the railway station in Przemyśl, city close to the Ukrainian border, where many refugees arrive. In the space, newly arrived refugees can rest, access psychological support, receive information, and find a safe and welcoming environment for children.
CARE also provides training on Clinical Management of Rape (CMR) to healthcare professionals, local authorities, and first responders to strengthen survivor-centered services and protection systems in Poland.
