The Story of Nataliia – From war, through flood, to love

Nataliia Hrys, originally from the Mykolaiv region, is one of 101 Ukrainian refugees who have found shelter in a student dormitory in Opava. Together with her young son, she was forced to leave her home due to the war and has been living in Czechia since March 2022. In September 2024, their temporary accommodation was struck by devastating floods that affected northern Moravia. Nataliia works in Czechia to provide for her son. When we first met at beginning of 2024, we spoke in Ukrainian. At the end of the year, we had our conversation in Czech. 

From War to a New Beginning 

“When the war started, it affected us immediately because we lived in a military town,” Nataliia recalls. She evacuated with her four-year-old son and, after arriving in Czechia, initially lived in temporary housing. Later, they were relocated to the dormitory, where they now share a small single room. Her son, now seven years old, has adapted well—he speaks Czech so fluently that no one would guess he isn’t a native speaker. 

Life in the Dormitory 

The dormitory in Opava accommodates 101 Ukrainian refugees, most of whom work. Nataliia highlights challenges such as limited space and thin walls, which make life especially difficult for children. “There aren’t enough spaces where kids can feel at home,” she explains. 

Despite the challenges, basic necessities like refrigerators, washing machines, and mattresses are available, thanks to donations provided through the International Organization for Migration (IOM). “Our washing machine runs non-stop, sometimes even at night,” Nataliia says. However, residents often have to share one refrigerator among multiple families, complicating meal preparation. 

Floods and Their Aftermath 

In September this year, the dormitory was hit by floods that caused significant damage. Residents on the ground floor were quickly moved to higher levels but did not have enough time to save all their belongings. “We had no electricity for a week, and it took a long time to repair washing machines, power, and internet,” Nataliia says. 

Plans for the Future 

When asked about her plans, Nataliia hesitates. “Everyone wants to go back, but I have love here,” she says with a smile. Her boyfriend is Czech, and she is considering staying in Czechia permanently. 

Partnership with IOM and support thanks to the German Government

The dormitory in Opava was one of the provisional accommodation units supported by IOM in Czechia, which provided washing machines, refrigerators, mattresses, and other household essentials to the dormitory in Opava and 10 diocese charities thanks to funding from the German Government. The partner dioceses are distributing this important equipment to refugees from Ukraine living in these regions of Czechia who need it the most and has reached over 200 people. This assistance, amounting to a total value of 55,320 EUR, has significantly improved living conditions for the people, giving them a better chance to rebuild their lives.