Before the war, Iwan was just like any other 14-year-old in Ukraine. His world revolved around school, friends, and his daily routine. “I had no major duties apart from learning,” he recalls. But when the war broke out, everything changed overnight. He was forced to leave behind the life he knew, setting out on an uncertain journey to Poland.

A Difficult Journey into the Unknown

Fleeing the conflict, Iwan boarded an overcrowded train bound for Poland. “I travelled on a direct train to Poland with so many people that it’s hard to imagine. Walking out into the corridor, you could see that everyone (mothers with babies, children, elderly women) was sitting on the floor. I can also say that there were a lot of people in our train compartment, not to mention the necessity of a space to keep suitcases and things in general,” he describes.

When he finally arrived in Poland, he was met with kindness and solidarity. “During the first days in Poland, I felt very taken care of, because after leaving the train I was met by a crowd of people with posters ‘we are with you’ etc. What is more, they gave us food to start with and necessities.”

Overcoming Challenges in a New Country

Despite the warm welcome, Iwan faced immense challenges. He had not planned to come to Poland, and he struggled with an unfamiliar language and culture. “I was shocked, and I did not know the language. Actually, I knew neither English nor Polish. I did not know how everything functions in Poland at all,” he admits.

Finding support was crucial, and that’s when he discovered JRS Poland. More than just a place for language learning, JRS became his home away from home. “Thanks to JRS, I managed to learn Polish and I’m in the process of learning English. I get to know beautiful places in and near Warsaw and find colleagues. Currently, I am taking part in youth meetings and even organising them to a certain extent. Now I just know that I can come here at any time, and I am always welcome,” he says with gratitude.

Building a Future with Hope

As Iwan looks ahead, his future remains uncertain, but he is determined to keep moving forward. “Whether I will achieve what I planned. Whether I have enough knowledge and qualifications. I would like to stay in Poland for a longer period of time, unless conditions in Poland change, but overall I like it very much here. Here I have friends, some family, study, work etc.”

With the support of JRS Poland, Iwan has found not just assistance, but a true community that believes in him.

JRS is working together with the Xavier Network, Concordia Moldova, the Society of Jesus in Europe, local civil society, and NGOs in a coordinated Jesuit response. Together we help thousands of people like Iwan. You can read more about The One Proposal at: jrseurope.org/en/project/the-one-proposal/.