Natalia, 24, says she is grateful for the educational hub run by Jesuit Refugee Service Romania, where her daughter attends kindergarten. With her child at school, Natalia is able to work to support their needs. Photo: JRS Romania
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Natalia and her daughter fled their home in Mykolaiv to seek safety in Bucharest. Her husband stayed behind to serve in the Ukrainian army.
“It wasn’t easy. It felt like I was on another planet,” recalls Natalia of her early days as a refugee. “Thankfully, my mom was with me. She quickly found a job at a bakery.” Her mother’s income only covered their basic needs, so Natalia wanted to work too. “But the biggest problem was who would take care of little Lilia?”
By chance, an acquaintance told Natalia about an educational hub run by Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Romania for Ukrainian refugee children. “I’m grateful that (JRS) understood and supported me.”
Today, three years into a relentless war, Lilia attends a JRS kindergarten class and attends an after-school program into the evening, which allows Natalia and her mother to work at the bakery in two shifts. “The work is hard. But I’m glad that, thanks to JRS Romania, I can provide for my child,” says Natalia. It has also allowed her to integrate further into the community. “I’ve learned the language. It’s far from perfect, but I’m trying. I communicate with the local people, and I can see how pleased they are when they realize a Ukrainian has learned the language.”
Natalia, her mother, and Lilia are among the more than 127,00 Ukrainian refugees who have received assistance from Jesuits since the war began. Emergency relief, shelter, psychosocial support, education and integration services continue and are being coordinated by JRS Europe and the Xavier Network, of which Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) is a member. With the help of its supporters, CJI has raised $245,105.84 CA as part of this effort.
“As another grim milestone passes and some decision-makers waver in their support, our commitment to continue accompanying those forcibly displaced by this war remains as steady as the first day,” says Fr. Alberto Ares, SJ, JRS Europe regional director. “We will continue to do our best to support those displaced in Ukraine, in neighbouring countries, and across the continent.”
Hope remains “even in a context marked by pain, stress and uncertainty,” says Ares. “We see everyday examples of solidarity and integration. We see brothers and sisters extending a helping hand to each other and walking together.” He adds that JRS is grateful “for the continuous solidarity of many generous people, foundations and organizations who trust the work of the Society of Jesus.”
Looking to the future, Natalia says she wants to stay in Romania.” I don’t know how, but I would like to. I want to bring my husband here and continue to build our life in Romania.
The war between Ukraine and Russia is Europe’s biggest armed conflict since the Second World War.
