When we do good things, we don’t necessarily show up in photos on Facebook or Instagram – the world doesn’t always know our faces… But good deeds are still done and the world becomes a little bit better because of them!
There is an extraordinary holiday – Invisible WorkDay – celebrated on April 5. On this occasion, we would like to introduce you to some of our students and staff for whom one of their values is helping others, especially in such difficult times like these.
“When the war broke out, I wanted, as I think everyone does, to help in some way – to do something to make people feel better. I immediately filled out a questionnaire, offering to help at school”, – says Rusaliia, a third-year psychology student at UEHS from Kiev.
The girl spends time with Ukrainian children who have recently joined the TEVizja school, neighbouring our university, helping them adapt to their new environment. “When the children feel the need to relax or change the atmosphere, they come to our room, where we play together, do various tasks or just talk” – she explains. At another TEVizja school in the Ochota district, Rusaliia helps with translation, assesses the children’s potential, and relays this information to the teachers.
“Children are our future, I want to give them at least a small sense of security and care… When I talk to them, of course it is impossible to avoid the current topic of war, and what they say, and more importantly, how they do it, is very affecting. One girl was very afraid of the sound of sirens, and when the ambulance arrived at the school – she hid under the bench… These children have grown up too fast,” Rusaliia says.
“When I realize that my help is really needed, I want to do even more so that goodness can finally save the world…,” says our student sincerely.
Another girl we are proud of is Yelyzaveta, also from Kiev, a first-year political science student, who also couldn’t stay away from the current situation.
“It doesn’t matter what or how you help. You have hands and legs – you shouldn’t sit and complain about how bad someone’s life is, but get up and start helping! It seems that you can’t do anything important, but for someone your help might be the most valuable thing they have right now,” Lisa shares her thoughts.
At the university she helps with collecting and packing humanitarian aid and acts as a translator during yoga classes at the Wolski Cultural Center, which our university cooperates with. Outside the university, she assists children and teenagers in learning English.
“It’s a very nice feeling to be able to help someone. I would like to get more involved with people, so maybe volunteering will take up a big part of my life in the future. I feel that by awakening kindness and charity, we can save the world,” Lisa concludes.
Viktoriia is a student and a staff member of our university. She has already appeared in our publications as the Welcome Office coordinator. Today Viktoriia is the brains and heart of volunteerism at the university.
“Since the beginning of the war, our university has tried as much as possible to help both refugees from Ukraine and those who stay in the country and defend it. Thanks to Prof. Tomasz Kownacki, the dean of political science studies and, more recently, law and administrative studies, the university has partnered with the Wolski Cultural Center. There we are working together to open the Polish-Ukrainian Wolska Center, where psychological and legal assistance will be provided, help with adaptation in the new country, etc..,” Viktoriia says.
This is where most of the social projects the University is involved in are currently being implemented. Viktoriia recalls one visit to WCK, where she and the UEHS Rector met an 80-year-old refugee woman from Ukraine. The lady recounted how she had walked 30 kilometers to the border – tears welled up in the audience’s eyes. ” She was already been helped in WCK, but in the evening after all the meetings, our Rector called me and asked me to check if she was okay”, Viktoriia adds.
“When the university sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine, WCK organized a large amount of aid brought by Biedronka employees. It’s amazing how many people are ready to help Ukraine!” – the girl enthuses. Some are involved in specific social projects, but most – both university employees and students – just help without thinking about how to call it. Someone picks up people from the border, handles logistics, lodging, offers to stay in their own home, seeks out doctors and many other things he or she doesn’t talk about.
“We were just making sandwiches and hot tea and going to the Western Bus Station. After a long day of work, the Rector also came and helped the newcomers until dark. We are still collecting humanitarian aid, four buses have already been sent, the last one went to the southeast of the country…, Viktoriia says and adds: to the volunteers who have been with me for 2 and 3 years in the Welcome Office program, and those who are just starting in the refugee program, I want to say an important thing: we couldn’t have done it without you! I am extremely grateful to all of you! You are people with a capital letter!”