Research by Deutsche Welle shows that refugee children can carry unseen scars for life. Younger children like Vitoslav have a chance of recovering faster. As we observed some of the older children in their early to late teens, we noticed a budding hope that safe shelter brings but also fear and uncertainty. Natalia, 17, smiled tentatively as she showed us her room. She had a cat and clutched it, in an attempt to veil the sadness, fear, and uncertainty she felt. As we visited the two orphanage centers, we realized the immediate and pressing need is to help the older children develop skills to navigate their immediate future, including education or vocational options like attending university or applying to trade schools in Poland or other countries in Europe. They also need practical life skills to turn sadness, fear, and uncertainty to resilience, perseverance, and hope.
Back in Warsaw as we prepared to depart, Jan leaned in and gave us a hug. He was smiling, and we could see hope in his eyes as he cheerily said, “Thank you and good luck!” in perfect English. What a great send-off!
While we may not be able to help all the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugee children in Poland, we will certainly try to have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of Jan, Natalia, Yulia, and Vitoslav. And to the best of our ability and resources, the 236 other children at the orphanages.
Learn more about our Future is Now Project at pentagonrotary@gmail.com
