The Sunflower Series
From the Blackwater Ukrainian Solidarity Group
As the weeks pass by patterns of sorts are starting to develop. Thanks to the innovation of many Ukrainian people who have moved to the area and through the generosity and kindness of people already living locally, routines are being created.
Children are now making friends in school, many Ukrainian people are working locally and necessary steps, such as the establishment of bank accounts and the links with local doctors, are being established.
It’s not perfect – but for those Ukrainian people currently living in this area there is a sense of calm on the surface at least.
Since almost all are living in shared accommodation, of one sort or another, there is a sense of imbedding into the community. This is clearly much more difficult for those living in larger communal centres such as in Millstreet.
Weekly we hear of buildings being repurposed in the Blackwater area to provide accommodation for Ukrainian people in the weeks to come – but nothing has been confirmed locally or nationally. As soon as one rumour dies another is born.
And then there is the uncertainty of this war. If the conflict is somewhat restricted to the east of Ukraine is it safe for people to return to central and western Ukraine? To resume life as it was? Or is it too risky to cross back over the border when such a menacing shadow hangs over the country and such an unpredictable dictator is prepared to do the unthinkable on a whim?
These questions continuously swirl around the minds of Ukrainian people we know. To put down roots in Ireland or to just wait and see what happens?
Our Welcome Centre is being shaped to best service to the needs of Ukrainian people in the community at present. Since the number of Ukrainians in the Blackwater Valley is relatively low we are concentrating on weekend events which include art classes for children (where a translator is present), Sanctuary Runner get-togethers in Colman’s pitch and a run, jog, walk, natter and coffee as well as an information morning and chat in the Youth Centre.
Everyone is welcome to come along to all of these events! And English classes continue to take place in secondary schools in the town.
Also, two of our Ukrainian volunteers are looking after a dedicated telephone number to answer questions and help Ukrainian people who contact the centre. The number is 087 7057756. They have also established a Telegram instant messaging group for Ukrainians in the area. This account is looked after constantly and, so far, has proved the best means of communication with Ukrainians locally.
We’re conscious that there may be Ukrainian people who are living in our area but who are disconnected and isolated. If you know anyone who might be in this position, can you please pass on our contact number to them and one of our Ukrainian volunteers can speak with them.
We are also developing a website for the welcome centre which will contain updated local and national information which will be of particular use to Ukrainian people – but also to all others moving into the area from elsewhere. This combination of a website, telegram account, email address (BlackwaterUkraine2022@gmail.com) and telephone number will provide links for people to get information on a near constant basis.
This week, as one of the parent representatives on the board of management at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Fermoy, I presented a cheque for €450 to the Together-Razem organisation in Cork City. It helps Polish, Ukrainian and other Eastern European communities in the Cork region and has been doing amazing work since the war in Ukraine began.
The funds were raised by pupils and parents of the school at an event which took place on the grounds of the school around St. Patrick’s Day.
I presented the funds to Wojciech Bialek, of Together-Razem, at their offices in Cork last Thursday. And he wanted me to pass on the message: “we are so grateful to all the pupils at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Fermoy and their families, as well as the staff, for this beautiful gesture of solidarity and friendship. These funds will be used to help Ukrainian refugees who come our way. We have been helping people in every way we can, and every day more Ukrainian people are coming to our centre.”
And Sean MacGearailt, principal of Gaelscoil de hÍde said: “We were very eager to do something to help Ukrainian people forced to flee their homes. We hope this gesture can help people settle in Ireland and are grateful to all those who helped us raise these funds.”
For more information contact us at: BlackwaterUkraine2022@gmail.com