“This is my new life”
With support from UNICEF and the Polish Migration Forum, Vlada finds strength while raising two children alone
- English
- Українська
- Polish
When the full-scale war began in Ukraine, 23-year-old Vlada left her home in Oleksandriia, Kirovohrad oblast, to join her husband, who was already living in Poland. In Białystok, in the country’s north-east, she gave birth to her first child, Sviatoslav. Like other Ukrainians who arrived in Poland after 24 February 2022, Vlada was granted temporary protection, which gave her access to healthcare, the labour market and other essential services. Later, the family moved to France, and because she remained outside Poland for more than 30 consecutive days, Vlada lost this temporary protection status.
Soon after, she separated from her husband. Now pregnant with her second child, Vlada had to decide what to do next. She chose to return to Poland, the country where she had already given birth, where she knew the language at least a little, and where she felt safe.
But returning alone proved difficult. With no family to rely on, no home, and no restored legal status, she had nowhere to go. At the border, Vlada learned that people seeking international protection could stay in centres designated for foreigners. She travelled directly to one of them, in Podkowa Leśna–Dębak, where she and her two children now live in a small single room.
Despite its size, Vlada has created a warm, welcoming space for her family. “It’s small, but I made it cozy. I think it’s the coziest room there,” she says.
Going back to Ukraine is not an option. Her family home burned down before the full-scale war, leaving her with no place to return to. All she can do now is wait for the decision on her application for international protection and continue building stability for her children.
At the centre, Vlada sought connection and emotional support among other women in similar situations. She began attending meetings of the women’s club, where Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) regularly organize activities and conversations. During one of these gatherings, staff members from the Polish Migration Forum (PFM) arrived.
In partnership with the UNICEF Refugee Response Office in Poland, PFM conducts regular visits by trained case workers to centres hosting refugees from Ukraine and to facilities for foreigners applying for international protection. Their goal is to identify needs early and provide direct support to vulnerable families.
Aliaksei Saladukha, the team leader of PFM’s case workers, describes how their visits typically unfold.
“When we arrive on site, there is a group of people waiting for us, each with their own questions and difficulties. Usually, we start around nine in the morning and stay until three or four in the afternoon. But there are cases you can’t resolve in a day, or two, or even a week. So we take these cases on, discuss further steps with people, coordinate things, explain what they need to do themselves and what we can do – for example, arrange visits, book an appointment with a lawyer or someone else,” he says.
Not every issue can be solved directly by the team. “When that happens,” Aliaksei says, “we rely on our referral network. We direct people to relevant organizations or provide contacts to governmental institutions that can help.”
Families usually seek financial or material support, help with documents, translation, or access to medical services.
“Someone may need a baby crib, someone else a stroller, or help translating documents for legalization. Migrants and refugees also face difficulties accessing healthcare; even booking a doctor’s appointment can be challenging. We provide assistance across multiple areas,” he says.
When Vlada first approached PFM, she was seeking legal advice. But during the meeting, one of the case workers noticed that her son Sviatoslav might require medical attention and helped arrange a consultation. This ultimately led to the discovery that he is on the autism spectrum. PFM covered the cost of a visit to a doctor, who confirmed the diagnosis.
Vlada and Sviatoslav are now waiting for ADOS testing, a tool that helps specialists assess social interaction, communication and behavioural patterns. Her son has also been referred for therapy, which Vlada hopes will support his development and help him communicate and learn more easily.
As a single mother raising two small children in one room while navigating legal procedures and caring for a child who needs additional support, she admits she sometimes feels overwhelmed.
“Now this is my new life. It’s very difficult for me, and honestly, I haven’t even had time yet to grasp how serious the situation is,” she says.
One of her biggest sources of comfort is watching the bond between her children.
“Sviatoslav helps me so much – he feeds Yasmina, kisses her. It’s very sweet. He plays with her, smiles when he looks at her. Her name is Yasmina, but he is the only one who calls her Mia. I think this name will stick with her for life. She will always be Mia to him,” Vlada says warmly.
UNICEF supports the Polish Migration Forum in addressing the most pressing needs of refugees from Ukraine and other countries. The primary focus of their joint activities is to assist the most vulnerable groups residing in collective centres by offering legal assistance, integration, information, referral and mental health support. Due to a significant gap in access to psychiatric support for refugee children, the joint project covers a wide range of MHPSS services, including psychiatric diagnosis and psychological consultations. These targeted interventions are essential to effectively support refugees, improve their access to social services and protection, and promote their mental well-being.
On 18 December, the world marks International Migrants Day: a reminder of the rights, dignity and resilience of people on the move. Stories like Vlada’s highlight the importance of ensuring that every migrant and refugee receives the protection, support and hope they deserve.
This important work for refugee children and caregivers from Ukraine in Poland is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration of the US Department of State (PRM) and the Government of the Republic of Korea.
