by Olga Wojciechowska (EVOC Development Worker)
A little over a month ago the world stopped breathing… hoping that what they were hearing and seeing wasn’t real.
Poland (where I live) began welcoming people from Ukraine almost as soon as the war started.
My friends and family were rushing to help people at the border, taking complete strangers into their homes. Within a day, my Facebook feed was filled with friends asking for clothes, shoes, and food – any supplies that anyone could spare to support their new guests. I remember being on the phone with my friend and her telling me that she had taken in a mother and her family.
I wanted to do something too.
Enter EVOC.
I was asked if I would like to support Scottish efforts to prepare for and support Ukrainian refugees and welcomed the opportunity with open arms.
I got in touch with the Warsaw Hub and was invited by Agata, the Co-ordinator there, to visit the 100 women and children they were accommodating. On the day of my visit there were 40 to 50 people expectantly waiting to hear about preparations, information, and opportunities awaiting them in Scotland. It was an emotional meeting. The reality kicked in that this could happen to any one of us, at any time. Most of them had less than an hour to pack their belongings and leave. Some had already heard that their homes had been flattened in the bombings. I couldn’t even begin to imagine the stress that they’ve gone through. It was completely different to hearing, reading, and seeing it online or on the news.
At that point, 400,000 Ukrainian people had fled to Warsaw, an increase of 23%. I started to hear and see Ukrainians everywhere. Going about their lives, on buses, in restaurants, walking on the streets. I still can’t believe it’s happening and there is a big knot in my stomach because, as I’m sure many of you do, I feel helpless.
I am grateful that I can help through the work I’m doing for EVOC.
I am proud of the Polish people, my family, and friends for helping the people where they can.
I am moved by the effort that Scottish organisations are putting in to prepare – everyone is hands on and it’s amazing.
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