The Sunflower Series
From the Blackwater Ukrainian Solidarity Group
It’s now been over 70 days since Russia first invaded Ukraine – 70 days of killing. It’s estimated that thousands have lost their lives in this hideous conflict and over 10 million Ukrainian people have been displaced. Many leaving their homes, their lives and communities to move to countries so very far away – to places like Ireland.
People like Olena Ferents who fled Lviv with her nine-year-old daughter Zlata to reunite with her mother in Clondulane. Olena is helping the Blackwater Ukrainian Solidarity Group. This week, we asked her to tell us about the last few weeks and to give a perspective of efforts to help those fleeing as someone arriving in Ireland from the Ukraine:
‘IT FEELS LIKE MY LIFE IS ON HOLD’
“Every Ukrainian person who has arrived in Ireland in recent weeks met with extremely friendly smiling Irish people immediately. This easy welcome has helped us to form a positive perception of this country and Irish people.
“At the same time the process of understanding and filling out various forms is very complicated and some people struggle with this.
“When we go outside, we see cars with the driver’s wheel on the right, and the cars themselves are not on the right side, but on the left. These little things are disorientating. There are double-decker buses which we do not have in Ukraine. Also, small towns, where in many cases there are no supermarkets.
“Of course, the health care system and the banking system are not clear. The systems in Ukraine and Ireland can be very different and we are trying to understand them.
“And probably the most difficult thing for Ukrainians in Ireland is establishing a structure to live. Because many people want to work and rent a house. But to get to this stage requires a lot of time and effort.
“All Irish people help us Ukrainians a lot. I am amazed at how many people came to our aid. To open volunteer centres and to assist in processing documents by volunteers. Of course, there are different situations when we do not understand something, when we would like to get all the ready documents faster or at once. And surprisingly, all the documents come in the post.
“In the first days in Ireland, every Ukrainian had an accompanying fear and insecurity that he or she brought from the war. For some time, each of us needs to recover from internal pain. This will not be quick or easy for many.
“After all, everyone left their property, housing, work, friends and comfort, which was built in different ways throughout life. All of us remember the morning of February, 24 when the war began and which will leave an eternal scar. Each of us has relatives in the war and we are with them in our thoughts.
“Of course, life here is calm and goes its own way, as it should be. We sincerely rejoice when you Irish friends invite us to a meeting to communicate. And we sincerely know that you are trying to help us. But we are not always emotionally ready to come to events. It will take some time.
“Every morning, lunch, evening, maybe every hour - we check the information about the war with trembling hands - where the rocket landed today and which Ukrainian lands were liberated from Russian invaders. Or perhaps our relatives message us which is wonderful because then it means they are alive.
“Of course, we try to integrate into society and continue to go to work, if possible, and to take children to school. Many of my acquaintances are looking for work and are being interviewed - and again, this is an additional stress load. And different people in different ways endure all this stress that we had to face. Sometimes, it seems to me that my life is on hold.
“Also though, I want to thank all the Irish volunteer friends who live in Fermoy. And they were able to organise a Fermoy Welcome Centre for Ukrainians. Where every needy Ukrainian can come to get information and help, fill out documents and the necessary forms. If Ukrainians are not able to come to the centre, a group was specially created in the Telegram. And thank you for organising free English language courses, children’s clubs and leisure activities,” Olena said.
THE FERMOY WELCOME CENTRE
Rather than open our office fourdays-a-week we are now concentrating on holding regular events for ALL in the community including our Ukrainian friends – while acknowledging that some may not wish to engage in such events just yet. And in time if, and when, more Ukrainian people move to the area we will be on hand to help and support them in any way we can.