I was impressed by the maturity of 15-year-old Ivan when I met him last May. He stood out from other teenagers I had met and I believe his story will show why. Ivan was a refugee from Ukraine who was dedicating his time to volunteering every day.
Interviewer: Can you tell us a little about yourself, Ivan?
Ivan: Sure! My name is Ivan, and I am originally from Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine.
Interviewer: Can you tell us how you became aware of the war starting?
Ivan: I'll begin with a story about my sister. She resided here in Krakow before the war began. I would call her once or twice a month. The evening before the war started on February 24th, I was talking to her on the phone. Our conversation ended a half hour before the outbreak of war. We spoke in Ukrainian and were discussing the Russian threat and Stepan Bandera.
I had planned to rise early, visit the store, and then head to school.
But, I was abruptly awakened by my mother. She informed me that I wouldn't be going to school today. Initially, I was elated, but my joy faded when I saw her tears. She told me that war had erupted.
I have many friends who are fighting on the front lines, including three at Azovstal. Unfortunately, I have lost communication with them. My phone was flooded with missed calls from concerned friends, but I slept through the notifications.
Interviewer: What did you do next?
Ivan: I gathered all the items that hold personal significance and packed them in my backpack. For instance, I have a Ukrainian flag that was with the Ukrainian soldiers who liberated Mariupol in 2014. It holds great importance to me because now, my friends are held captive.
Watching videos on YouTube about the surrender of the defenders of Mariupol still brings tears to my eyes.
My mother contacted her sister and formed a plan. The group consisted of three women: my mother, her sister, and her sister-in-law; four children, including me, and one man, my mother's brother-in-law.
Although our town was not at risk of attack, we evacuated within a week. I went without food for seven days and lost 15 kg during our evacuation.
My mother ultimately chose to remain in Ukraine but sent me here to Krakow even though I have received military training and possess a uniform. .
Interviewer: Did you go straight to Krakow?
Ivan: I traveled to the border and stood in line for six hours. Volunteer assistance was invaluable. In Poland, we boarded an evacuation bus bound for Holm and eventually arrived in Krakow. My aunt and other family members relocated to Germany.
Interviewer: Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a volunteer?
Ivan: "It happened accidentally. My initial intention was to return to Ukraine to support my friends who were assisting refugees. However, I then realized I could be of aid here, and there was no need to go back to a hazardous area.
My boss here is Alen, who is also a close friend. I have complete trust in him, and I believe he reciprocates that trust."
Interviewer: What do you do here as a volunteer?
Ivan: I serve as the head assistant and coordinator, and in Alen's absence, I oversee the kitchen operations.
We work from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. At 11 a.m, we prepare soup and then proceed to cook vegetables, potatoes, and sausages.
Interview: How has the experience changed you?
Ivan. I don't know completely yet besides learning how to speak Polish. I am religious and believe God has given me the purpose to assist others and be an attentive listener.
Although I am not very old, I seek the advice of individuals who have more life experience. I prefer talking with older people over my peers as I value their wisdom and insights.
Interviewer: What has been the most impactful experience for you during your time volunteering here?
Ivan: Unfortunately, most of the stories I know are sad and tragic.
I have noticed that not everyone in my country demonstrates good manners.
For example, a girl named Zhenya made a poster that said "One serving per person" but people still came and asked for more for themselves and their relatives, ignoring her efforts. This kind of behavior makes me feel ashamed.
Refugees here often waste food, which is frustrating given the scarcity in places like Mariupol.
I have heard that Mariupol is now just in complete ruins.
There is a 2-month-old baby at Azovstal who has never seen peace. It's hard to imagine.
My mother once called me crying in the middle of the night because she heard the sound of rockets over Khmelnytsk. Although it was not a serious situation, she was scared.
Despite her fears, my mother is determined to stay in Ukraine.
Interviewer: What are your further plans?
Ivan: I plan to go back to Ukraine once Ukraine wins the war. Although I am safe here in Poland, it's not my home. It's like staying with friends. I feel more at ease in Ukraine.
I live with my sister, her partner, and his sister from Melitopol.
Ivan is among the numerous Ukrainian refugees who have devoted their time to assist and support others during the ongoing conflict. Despite a year of intense fighting and loss of life, the war in Ukraine persists. Let's continue to show our support and offer our prayers for the people of Ukraine during these trying times.