June 6, 2023
News
After the Russian invasion began, Krystina's first priority was to ensure the safety of her young son David. So she and her husband did not hesitate and immediately set off from their home town of Kharkiv on a journey to safety. After three days on a train, they arrived in Mukachevo, where they found refuge in a student dormitory. Krystina and her son left it after almost a year, when they moved into one of the modular houses built by Caritas Czech Republic in the city.
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Joy was replaced by tears
The joy of getting safely to Mukachevo was replaced by tears when Krystina's husband was drafted into the army a few days after their arrival. Today he is fighting for the liberation of Ukraine on the Eastern Front. Krystina has seen him only once in the last year. But Krystina's parents soon moved to Mukachevo as well. Krystina does not complain about the accommodation at the boarding school, she is grateful that they managed to find a roof over their heads and that everyone treated them nicely. But it was not her own home. Krystina has also been involved in organising the help that Caritas Czech Republic provides locally. "It's been great because I've gained new skills and I've also been able to earn some money," says Krystina.
A fresh start and the hope of a return
Krystina, her son and her parents recently left the boarding school and moved into one of the modular houses that Caritas Czech Republic built in Mukachevo. "We are thrilled! It's like having our own apartment. Compared to the school, it's a huge difference. And finally I have my own kitchen again," Krystina rejoices. In her own words, she is learning to live again. "I started studying IT online and eventually managed to find a job thanks to that. David goes to kindergarten," she says. She has found a second home in Mukachevo, yet believes in returning to her native Kharkiv, even though the apartment where they lived was destroyed by bombing.
How is Caritas Czech Republic helping people in Ukraine
Caritas Czech Republic has been helping people affected by the war in Ukraine since the first day of the conflict. We have repeatedly sent humanitarian aid to the country. The Russian invasion has driven millions of people from their homes, many of whom have found safe haven in the west of the country, as Krystina has. But these regions did not have sufficient facilities for so many people, and many had to be housed in gymnasiums and halls.
Caritas Czech Republic built modular houses in the west of the country for Ukrainians who had lost the roof over their heads. At the same time, we renovated mass accommodation facilities to ensure decent living conditions. We provided financial support to people fleeing the war to buy basic necessities.
We are also providing psychological assistance to Ukrainians in the west of the country. In cooperation with the Fire and Rescue Corps of the Czech Republic, we have trained local psychologists in providing psychological care in crisis situations.
We are helping people in Ukraine in cooperation with our partner organisation Caritas Ukraine and thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Trocaire, Irish Aid and with the support of the Transcarpathian Regional Council.
