James writes about taking part in a social action project to build a playground for Ukrainian child refugees being hosted in Poland.
On Saturday morning, I stood a few inches from Poland’s border with Russia. Behind the checkpoint was the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad on the coast which hosts Russia’s Baltic fleet. Normally a thriving crossing with over a thousand vehicles passing through it was eerily quiet with no traffic. Even without the bracing wind it was a chilling moment to see the eyes of Putin’s border guards as his military continue to carry out appalling acts in Ukraine.
This was the first part of Project Maja, a social action project, I took part in along with MPs and others to help Ukrainian child refugees in Poland. A short drive from the border it was moving to meet families being hosted by Caritas, the international Catholic charity. The generosity of the care and hospitality offered to the Ukrainian refugees was humbling. Listening to their experiences, the impact and trauma of fleeing from the war was obvious and the songs from home they sang were incredibly moving.
In total, Poland has given sanctuary to over 2.5 million Ukrainian people. The Governor of the Pomeranian region explained that over 60,000 refugees, mainly women and children, are being supported there with the majority being hosted in private homes. Others are being accommodated in student accommodation blocks or other locations in the region with housing, education, jobs, and financial support in place.
The focus of this project was to build a playground for a Ukrainian orphanage that has relocated to Koscierzyna. The children we met were orphans, had learning difficulties, or were looked-after children who had moved with their carers and teachers to safety. This project was made possible thanks to support of the Amir Khan Foundation, the two-time world boxing champion’s charitable arm. It was a sign of Amir’s commitment that he was alongside us digging out the earth and then helping install the equipment. When the work was complete it was lovely to see the children enjoying it - laughing and playing.
Part of the reason for focusing on this visit was the desire from the Polish people we met to share the examples of the generosity they are showing. And to tell the stories of the refugees and to show solidarity with them. As one of the local government representatives we met said, along with shelter and sanctuary they need mental support and to know that they are not alone.
That is why the Prime Minister’s visit to Kyiv to meet President Zelensky was an important moment to show the UK continues to stand with Ukraine. Along with further financial support, the new package of armoured vehicles, anti-ship missiles, and other equipment will help Ukrainian’s defend themselves.
While the refugees we met and listened to during the project were safe and had been very warmly welcomed by the Polish people, they want the war and destruction to end and to a man, woman, and child long to be able to return home.
Ukraine appeal https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
