Mykola wanted to share his story, a story of suffering but also of hope and solidarity, which once again highlights the tireless work of the Salesians on behalf of all those who have been affected by this war, which has now lasted for more than a year.
“After the start of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops, my wife and I decided to leave Ukraine to find a safe place for our family, for our children. We decided to go to Poland” says Mykola. “When we arrived in Krakow we got in touch with the Salesians, asking for hospitality."
The Salesian response was not long in coming. Mykola, his wife and their eight children were greeted with availability and kindness and immediately received warm meals, accommodation and, above all, closeness and spiritual support. After a few months, benefactors made a house available for Mykola's family in Oświęcim so that they could move in and live there for as long as necessary.
“Part of my family, my wife and our youngest children, have been living there for six months, thanks to the benefactors. My oldest children, however, wanted to return to Ukraine and continue their studies there” he continued.
Returning home, for many Ukrainians forced to live far from their country, is a keen and constant desire. And so it is for Mykola, his wife and their boys. For this reason, after the eldest sons asked to return to Ukraine, the couple agreed. The situation, while remaining difficult, has changed compared to last year and returning is no longer an impossible hypothesis. So the young men left Oświęcim and returned to Zhytomyr. Here too, they were welcomed by the Salesians, who opened the doors of a high school for them that they run right in the city of Zhytomyr.
“The Salesians are helping us both in Poland and in Ukraine. I am and will always be grateful for the support they are giving us.” Mykola concluded. !It is a dramatic situation, for my family and for many others, and for the entire Ukraine. But I am happy that the Salesians have remained with us in the most difficult moment, that they are always at our side and that they help us.”
