Deaf Ukrainian refugee Olga shares story

Callie: We at the Daily Moth had already interviewed Olga, a deaf Ukrainian, a while back when Russia first invaded Ukraine. She shared her experiences and feelings from the attacks and her home. I checked in with her recently, and she told me she is currently in France, safe. I asked if she would mind sharing her journey fleeing from Ukraine to France. How, and what did it look like? And about her first thoughts when she arrived in Poland. She had sent me videos about reaching Poland, describing her experience. So I want to share that with you all.

Olga: Hi, I’m Olga. I escaped from Ukraine. I’ll talk about how I made my way to France. I went to Poland first, and wow, it was odd. The people were so calm in Poland compared to Ukraine. Yes, that was a good sign the place was safe. I went to the bus area and there were many volunteers. They helped everyone without any problems. They helped me with my survival, sleep, and food as well. The bus area had food, coffee and tea, and supplies for kids.

(B-roll of a bus station with refugees of all ages and plentiful supplies.)

O: Then I had to go to a hostel from the bus area. It looked like a school. I slept there for several days. Then, I needed to buy a ticket to France, a bus ride. It wasn’t free. I had to pay, yes. I didn’t want to ride the train, because you’d have to transfer three or four times. It’s not one-way. But if one wants a free ride, they can go on the train. There are flights too, but the dates are really pushed forward. So I decided it was best to ride the bus, a one-way ride to France. I’ve been sleeping here for several days. The food is free, the beds are free, everything is good. There is a deaf person there helping Ukrainian refugees who don’t know what to do in France. So after I slept there for a few days, they asked around for who could give me support for several days. One deaf woman did, and I want to say much thanks for the support, and to the deaf person who helped me too. Big thanks to both of them. So, they gave me food and everything I needed to live, basically. After that, I had to go to a refugee center. They gave me another life, food, and everything. It is all okay, but inside, I’m still unsure where to go. I have a hard time. Not all refugees are the same, no. It depends on the situation. I’m still thinking about Ukraine.

C: Olga, thank you for sharing your experience of escaping Ukraine and getting to France. I know it isn’t easy. I’m glad you are safe now.

——

[Sponsored video from Convo: www.convorelay.com]