Dasha escaped war found new hope in Ostrava

Dasha’s story, like those of countless others, began with the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Forced to flee their home in the Kharkiv region, she and her family sought refuge in Ostrava, a city in Czechia. Dasha is accompanied by her young daughter, Eva, seven-month-old, and her mother-in-law, who struggles with mobility issues. Together, they face challenges of displacement, residing in communal accommodation in Ostrava.

Upon arriving in Czechia, the family was immediately struck by the kindness of strangers. Despite the language barrier and the constant fear of the unknown, they were met by volunteers who helped them feel more at ease. Dasha recalls the relief of finding a friendly face who spoke their language, easing the initial shock of being in a foreign land. The support they received ranged from necessities, like food and clothing for Eva, to assistance in finding accessible housing, given her mother-in-law’s difficulty with stairs. “They took the initiative, calling around for places with elevators, which made all the difference,” Dasha shared. Although adapting to life in a new country is daunting, Dasha is hopeful for her family’s future in Ostrava and is determined to make it their new home.

In partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Czechia and with funding from the U.S. Government, the Organization for Aid to Refugees (OPU) provided critical aid that further stabilized their situation.This organization, through their programs, have provided Dasha and her family with the essential household items they needed to start afresh.

This support is part of a larger initiative aimed at helping vulnerable Ukrainian refugees in Czechia, particularly those living in remote areas of the Pilsen and Moravian-Silesian regions. The project focuses on helping these refugees find sustainable housing, access job opportunities, and obtain medical care, all of which are crucial to restoring a sense of normalcy in their lives. 

For Dasha’s family, the journey has not been easy, but the kindness they experienced have gave them renewed hope. With continued support they are beginning to rebuild their lives, hoping one day to contribute back to the society that welcomed them in their time of need.