Since russia invaded Ukraine many Ukrainians had to leave their homes and even the country. In this interview we talked to Vika Kolomiets, our America House Leadership Program alumna. She moved to Germany, where she continues her education and helps other Ukrainians.
Vika started a new life in Germany, where she studies, goes to demonstrations and helps other Ukrainians.
Together we are strong and will rebuild our country faster. I can't wait when everyone comes back from abroad to rebuild everything that was destroyed.
How did you start volunteering since the full-scale invasion?
I started at the beginning of the war. While I was still in Ukraine, I was helping to weave nets. Also, my parents and I were collecting bottles for Molotov cocktails. I have been doing it since the first week. I understood that you overthink a lot if you sit and do nothing, and it is too hard to handle. If you are helpful, you know that you are doing something for a victory. So, everything started with nets weaving and fundraising. My mom was raising money at school; she is a teacher. There were people at school that were telling her what was needed. This is how it started.
How did you end up in Germany?
At first, I didn't want to move. But on the 5-6th day, shelling began in Mykolayiv. I am from Kropyvnytskyy, and it's about 200 km from us. My parents became terrified, especially mom. She was so scared for me that I understood I should go to calm her. I wanted her to go with me, but she refused. Parents said if things get worse, they'll go to Lviv. This is how I got here. At first, I lived in Poland with my brother; now I'm in Germany.
What do you do in Germany?
I continue studying online. Also, it became a routine for me that I go to demonstrations to support Ukraine every Saturday. When I meet Ukrainians, I often ask if they were on the march, and it disappoints me if not. I motivate everyone to go. Here in Germany, you have to deliver the information about Ukraine very carefully. And I think it's possible to achieve this with protests. If there are a lot of people, it's worth it. Many don't understand it. We got used to it. But Germans begin to forget and people from other countries too. That's why I go to protests. Also, I search on the Internet if any Ukrainian need help. Some don't speak English, and I help them fill in different documents or communicate in governmental services.
How do you find who needs help? Is there a resource, group, or volunteer center?
There is a group "Help for Ukrainians in Hamburg," and people write there. For example, someone needs to go somewhere and asks for help with translation. And people reply. Also, I got to know some people during the demonstration, and they told me they also needed help with translation. It's mostly groups but also personal acquaintances.
While you live in Germany, what do you see Ukrainians need here the most?
To be honest, I think Germany gives everything for a comfortable living. But it makes me upset to see some Ukrainians being ungrateful. I see every Ukrainian as a national representative. When I talked to volunteers, they told me ten people could come to the center, take stuff they needed, and thank everyone for the help. Then one rude person could come, making them forget about those ten people. They only remember negative experience. Our people begin to find ways to trick the system and avoid doing what they have to. Germany doesn't like it. You are supposed to do what is said.
Now Germans invite Ukrainians to job centers. Before that, Ukrainians were asked if they had a job. They said no, but they had an income in Ukraine. They got social help and continued to live there and did not want to work or learn the language. So, Germans got what was going on and now they invite everyone to the job center to help them find a job or get the information about where they work.
Germany really gives everything. If you want to learn the language, please come to the courses. They have excellent teachers, and the price is fully covered. Also, many universities give different grants to Ukrainians. There's a great opportunity. It's called "guest semester." You can attend any lectures or seminars during one semester. Then you can decide if you want to apply to this university.
Also, I notice how different attitudes to Ukrainians are between politicians and the average person. (I just switched the order of the sentence around to make more sense) I had a conversation with the family I live with. They are shocked by what is happening in Ukraine and try to help with everything. They told me they could stop paying for gas. If needed, they would freeze themselves but won't pay for that bloody gas.
Did you know this family before you arrived in Germany?
Yes, they are our friends. Their daughter lived with us during her AIESEC program in Ukraine, and we knew her parents. They contacted us immediately when the war began and asked if we needed help. They said they could send us clothes and food or can host us in their home. So, now I live with them. I asked how long I could live here. They said as long as I needed.
Do you think Ukrainians will need to volunteer after we win? How do you think it would change?
Of course, we'll need it. I think it will get even better, as people will be more active. Together we are strong and will rebuild our country faster. I think volunteering will become popular. I can't wait when everyone comes back from abroad to rebuild everything that was destroyed.
What helps you to stay sane every day?
My cousin serves in the Ukrainian Army in hot spots. His messages help me. And if he says that everything will be okay and we will win, how dare I doubt that. I also miss my parents who stayed in Ukraine. I understand that I need to do something to make the victory and the day we meet again closer.
What would be the first thing you do after the victory?
I'll come back to Kyiv, go to "Lviv Croissants," buy an iced latte, and walk with my friends till the night. No, till the morning.
AH Community Stories is a series of interviews where we tell about our friends and their stories of bravery and resilience.