Uplift Ukrainian Women and Children in Poland

‘‘The best part of being involved in Pontes is that, for me, these are opportunities to change your life! To live a better and more decent life. And, probably, the most important thing is it gives me faith that everything is possible.”

Natalia, 32, is from Lviv in Ukraine. In February 2022, at the onset of the war, she found herself displaced to Poland with her two young daughters. Before this, Natalia worked as a manicurist and was on maternity leave with her youngest daughter.

Fleeing violence to an unfamiliar place whilst caring for her two young girls, Natalia has had to navigate a complex combination of stress, exhaustion, fear, and isolation. As Natalie sees it, the central issue for most Ukrainian women and their families is the language barrier.

‘‘Most of the other Ukrainian women did not know Polish at all, including their children when they were forced to come to Poland. And this issue really created and still creates perhaps the biggest barrier to the integration of Ukrainian women in Poland. As for children, there are no Ukranian-speaking teachers or other employees. I often hear about Ukrainian children lagging behind in their studies because of this difficult situation. it all comes down to language.

Psychological support for both adults and children is, in my opinion, one of the most important components, because when there is such psychological support it is easier for people to adapt and integrate. Often, children and adults cannot explain to a Polish psychologist what exactly is bothering them.”

Recognizing the emotional toll of displacement and the potential trauma experienced by Ukrainian women and children, Octopus’s funding has allowed Pontes to provide Natalia and her family with invaluable social, psychological, and practical support. This support has provided a lifeline for Natalia, enabling herself and her children to quickly settle and integrate into their new surroundings:

‘‘In general, the issue of forced migration is quite difficult for mental health, because it imposes a great sense of guilt that never leaves. And one has to learn to live with it and transform it into high-quality energy in order to move on. Each story is special and each needs attention.I think support for this population is a great opportunity to give Ukrainians a little more confidence in themselves and in the future, which is very important.

Women, and children, from Ukraine lack an environment of their own. Places or opportunities where they can just socialise, relax, or even learn something new are so valuable. This also applies to getting to know and learn Polish. Many Ukrainians are interested in the traditions, nuances, peculiarities, and just the usual world of Poland and its citizens, history, religions, cuisine, etc… but they do not always have the opportunity to learn about it. And sometimes, because of this lack of knowledge, Ukrainian women feel uncomfortable, just like Poles, because they also do not understand the subtleties of Ukranian list and traditions. It is a great solution to have something similar a comfortable environment where both can learn, share their knowledge and skills. And also, just to enjoy a good time in a circle of like-minded people, both from Ukraine and Poland.”

Natalia's involvement in the integration project not only alleviated her immediate challenges but also empowered her to envision a brighter future in Poland for herself and her daughters. The comprehensive support received through language classes, employment workshops, and social activities have played a pivotal role in Natalia, and her family’s, experience in Poland.

‘‘Despite everything, the children have integrated quite quickly. Pontes has helped us a lot. I am very grateful to them for that. The first and foremost thing I would like to say is thank you for your big hearts and for looking into the depths of human needs, especially now, in such a difficult time for everyone.”

Thank you once again for your support!