Vluchtelingenwerk: Interview with Olesya
Can you introduce yourself?
"Working as a volunteer is so grateful and hopefully help me to find a job"
I am Olesya, I am Ukrainian and I live in Middelburg, in one of the shelters provided by the municipality, together with my lovely mother and daughter. I am 40 years old and I dare to say that I am an enthusiastic and optimistic person. I am so happy that I can be of great value as a translator (from Ukraine into English and vice versa) for one of the local General Practioners, I am literally his voice! I also work as a volunteer translator for VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (the Dutch Council for Refugees) during their consultation hours and events organised for the Ukrainian community.
Can you tell us something about your life in your home country before you came to the Netherlands?
I lived in Dnipro, one of the biggest cities in Ukraine. I was born and grew up there. My daughter was born there as well. I worked as a nanny, taking care of a child and of a dog. To be honest, I did not know what I wanted to do. But at that time I found out that I wanted to groom dogs. It was a dream. During my journey to make this dream come true, my life changed completely on the 24th of February 2022. I think this date needs no further explanation… I loved working with animals and especially dogs. Dogs have a special place in my heart. Animals are honest, they are not hypocritical, they really feel how you feel. They are honest, and do not care about silly things. If you threaten them, they will threaten you.
I had a dog myself and I miss her terribly. She is still at home, her name is Luna and she is almost 6 years old. She is with my ex-husband, in Ukraine. I had to make difficult decisions when I had to leave Ukraine. Of course I took my daughter Aurora with me. but I left Luna there. My mother did not want to go, but eventually she realised that if she did, she would not see Aurora again. So she came with us. Luna stayed at home.
Can you describe a moment when you felt "at home" in the Netherlands for the first time?
I will be honest. I still do not feel at home, but I do feel very welcome. I feel comfortable here, I have never been discriminated against and feel safe. I am one of you, but I still feel like I am visiting friends and family.
How has your experience as a displaced person changed your view of life and the world?
Well, actually, the whole situation has changed me, it has made me tougher, less emotional in a good way. I do not waste time on situations that are not worth it. I don’t do that anymore. I am not wasting time on people who are always complaining. I am grateful to be here and for all the help I have received. I definitely know that we have received more than other refugees. I have always been a practical person, but now I am even more practical, even when it comes to choosing a birthday present. My family is the most important thing in my life now, I have become even more open-minded, ... also how I look at the world or Europe, and my volunteer work. I have also become more patient (laughs). ….Also in relation to my daughter. I have learnt that through my voluntary work for the doctor and VluchtelingenWerk Nederland. I will keep on explaining again and again... even simple things like how to buy stamps.
What do you find most challenging about participating in Dutch society?
Finding a proper job, and a place to live, but I realise that this is the same for everyone, especially finding a home.
Are there any aspects of your own culture that you would like to share with, or perhaps even to pass on to people around you in the Netherlands?
Ukrainian food, traditional food, music, language, sharing culture is so valuable. In music, even if you do not know the language, the music still touches your soul, especially the lullabies and folk music. Ukrainian folk music is so amazing, also the way the voices are combined. The bandura is a special instrument, that touches you. It is a kind of guitar.
Are there any special people who have helped you in particular to be who you are today?
The most special people I have met are the people from the charity and emergency organisations. You really need them in case of such a tragic situation. I will never forget Janet and her husband who worked for the Red Cross. I met this couple when I arrived alone to find a place to live for my mother, daughter and myself. After meeting them, I decided that it would be worthwhile for my mother and daughter to move to the Netherlands as well. Another important person is Bridget, she was part of the security team in Leeuwarden, my first place of arrival. She is such an interesting and tough lady, and she is also a painter, she showed me her paintings and especially the painting of an elephant made a big impression on me. And before I left for Middelburg she gave me that painting. I could always come back to her, even if I was not happy in Middelburg. She was so supportive to me. I am really grateful for a her help. The same goes for Rutger and Maria from Middelburg. I lived with them for a few months, and Nienke- she is a lawyer - she motivates me to be active, outgoing and open to new opportunities. And there is Lana, she is a friend and also from Ukraine, we came together and still live near each other. So there really are so many special people,..... also Ellen and Victor from VluchtelingenWerk Nederland, working for this organisation as a volunteer is so grateful and hopefully help me to find a job where I can make a positive difference for displaced people who need any kind of help or support. So far I have survived, but not without the help I have received. Open-minded people, who are willing to help others are so important in adapting to a new country!
Personal note from Olesya:
“Find your peace
Find your say
Find the smooth road in your way”
Source: Lyric of Metallica, The God That Failed
Would you also like to volunteer for VluchtelingenWerk Nederland?
Please visit: https://vrijwilligers.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/
Annette de Vreede – VluchtelingenWerk Nederland, Team Zeeland
