Ukrainian woman finds hope in PMB
When Yana Matviienko (26), arrived in Pietermaritzburg a month ago for a visit, she had no idea two weeks later, a sudden outbreak of war would ravage her homeland, Ukraine, and leave her stranded on a foreign continent, separated from her family, who remain stuck between the crossfire of war.
Matviienko accompanied her boyfriend, a doctor studying in Ukraine, to Pietermaritzburg for a visit to his family, just two weeks before the war broke out. Stuck in Pietermaritzburg for the time being, until it is safe to return home, she is now finding joy and comfort in her passion for baking, bringing her Ukrainian favourites to the people of the city.
She met her boyfriend, Mario Menchero, at a party in Cuba and the couple has been dating for the last eight months. “He told me that he was missing home and wanted to return and visit his family, in time for his birthday. He invited me to come with him and I agreed. There was no indication of what would happen; it was all fine when we left, but two weeks later, we started getting news reports of what was happening in our beautiful country,” said Matviienko.
In Ukraine, Matviienko studied hotel and restaurant management and thereafter, worked in a restaurant as a manager. She then got a job at a French cake and pastry shop, where she grew her love for baking. She has worked there for the last four years.
Homesick for Ukraine, Matviienko said she would like to give Pietermaritzburg locals a taste of the goods she baked back at home in the pastry shop. “I love being in the kitchen and baking. We use quality products and no white sugar. That is what I want to do here. I want to bake quality products and create beautiful delicacies,” said Matviienko.
Since the war broke out, she has been constantly worried about the safety of her family in Ukraine. She feels bad for leaving them back home and being separated at this time, but her mother reassured her that they are safe and will leave for safety should the need arise.
“Everything was fine; our people were well and we were living fine. But now, overnight, our people are living in hell. There is war, and killing and shooting. My family is okay, but they say they’ve had to get used to the sound of shooting and explosions. I was so worried about my mother, but she has assured me that they are okay. She told me that if I worry it will affect my health.
“I am so worried for them, but they say they worry about me being so far away. I am just praying and believing that God will help them. The men of our country cannot leave as they have to act as soldiers, and my mum and aunty won’t leave,” said Matviienko.
Matviienko said that she has fallen in love with South Africa, its nature and the kind and caring people. “It is very beautiful here. It is a good country, although I miss Ukraine.” The first thing she is dying to do when she gets to return home is hug her family. She also wants to start her own healthy bakery using good ingredients.
“I just want people to taste good food. I love the people here. When they hear I am from Ukraine, they tell me that they are sorry and they share kindness with me,” said Matviienko.
Matviienko is currently baking and experimenting with vegan cinnamon cakes that she plans to start selling soon. You can follow and support Matviienko’s baking journey in Pietermaritzburg by following her on Facebook: M Y Pastry House.https:// www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100079657477773