By Zoe and the WONDER team | Communications Manager
Valentyna is a 69-year-old Ukrainian pensioner who moved from Kyiv, Ukraine to Poland at the start of March 2022 following the Russian invasion.
After her relocation, Valentyna received Polish language classes from Pontes, which helped her and made it easier for her to adjust to the move. She also met lots of women through Pontes, who were experiencing similar situations, feelings, and emotions, helping her to know she is “not alone with [her] own problems”.
Valentyna was supported by people from the “Maria in Poland” programme who also helped her daughter to find employment. Valentyna’s daughter now works as an English teacher at Warsaw High School and her granddaughter has been aided by Pontes in her studies and is now enrolled at Warsaw University.
With the help of Helena and Natalia from Pontes, Valentyna and her family were able to find an apartment. Pontes secured the essentials for the apartment and are there to help if ever Valentyna or her family need guidance.
Pontes has helped Valentyna create a new life in Poland, introducing her to new people and supporting her through the difficulties associated with such challenging circumstances. Valentyna says she is glad to have met “people with the golden hearts” and that they have helped and inspired her and her family.
Valentyna recognises the importance of this Pontes’ help for her and her family and greatly thanks the supporters of the programme. Reflecting on her experience with Pontes, she says, “we feel cared, we’re not alone, we’re important, and it inspires us.”
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