Russia’s invasion of Ukraine affects all of us. The war is taking place in the middle of Europe and has forced several hundred thousand people to flee their homes so far. The majority of them is seeking refuge in Poland. Krzyżowa is hosting refugees, too.
Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe is receiving refugees. Mainly accompanied children and youngsters, as well as women with children, will be hosted. Krzyżowa is also open to people working in its partner organisation, former volunteers and their families. The kindergarten and the educators are working on care arrangements and educational activities.
Read more: Krzyżowa is hosting refugees from Ukraine. Appeal for donations
Would I believe it if someone told me six months ago that Krzyżowa would soon become a refuge for people fleeing a war? A war in a neighboring country? Probably not. We felt safe in Europe, which has coexisted peacefully for over 70 years. We believed that the bloody conflicts in the Balkans in the 1990s were an isolated incident. Suddenly, on 24th of February 2022, we woke up in a different reality. And we had to find ourselves in it very quickly.
When the war in Ukraine began, like most of us, I followed reports of military operations beyond the eastern border with anxiety and disbelief. It has been a long time for all of us to believe that the war is a fact and that it affects the citizens of an independent and sovereign country in such a brutal and inhumane way. We were shocked because it directly threatened the people we saw in Krzyżowa not so long ago. The last Polish-German-Ukrainian project took place at the International Youth Meeting Center at the end of January this year. It was attended by young people from Krzepice, Marl and Dnipro. We started to think about all the people with whom we have cooperated in recent months and years: children, youth, teachers, activists. We asked ourselves about their safety. We tried to contact them and make sure what help they needed.
Read more: Dr Robert Żurek || Refugees from Ukraine in Krzyżowa. It is a time of helping, but also of...
The war in Ukraine is increasing the humanitarian crisis in this part of Europe with every passing day. Thousands of people are losing their homes, being separated from their loved ones and fleeing to neighbouring countries to save their lives. The citizens of Ukraine are now, above all, in need of a shelter.
In recent days, we have worked intensively to prepare such safe places in Krzyżowa for those fleeing the war.
In agreement with the Governor of Lower Silesia and local municipal authorities, the Foundation provides accommodation for refugees from Ukraine.
We offer fully equipped rooms with access to a kitchen and sanitary facilities. Families will also have at their disposal a specially prepared room for children with toys and educational materials. We also offer pedagogical support for the youngest in our kindergarten and activities for older children.
Read more: War in Ukraine. The Krzyżowa Foundation open for refugees
On 21.06.2023, kindergarten children from the "Green Land" together with Ukrainian children, temporarily residing on the territory of our Foundation, had the opportunity to fulfill one of their dreams!
The children visited the amazing animals that are lemurs. They not only saw them, but also had the opportunity to feed these exotic animals and even stroke them.
At the Łączna Zoo the children also saw goats, lynxes, antelopes, puricas, marmots and other animals that are hard for children to meet every day.
There was plenty of excitement and joy!
Read more: Krzyżowa dla Ukrainy - Trip to the zoo, 21.06.2023
