Hello everyone! My name is Toli, and I’m from Kherson. I’m currently in Poland with my family, having made an important step toward safety and stability. My family consists of six people: me, my son Oleksandr, my younger and middle daughters Ulyana and Polina, my sister, and my mother. We decided to move to Poland when the war started.
The Start of the Move: Our Decision
It all began on February 24, when I woke up to the sound of an explosion. We lived in the Tavriysky district of Kherson, and unfortunately, it was close to the Chornobaivka airfield, so the explosions were loud and clear. At first, we didn’t understand what was happening, but after a few days of fear and uncertainty, we realized that it had become extremely unsafe in Kherson.
We waited for a long time and finally decided to move to Poland after a month of war. In Kherson, we went through terrible times—fighting, empty stores, and high prices. We stood in line for bread for hours, and that became normal. Every morning we woke up thinking about the latest reports of new explosions. I remember one day, when we went to the store, my youngest daughter saw the empty shelves and started crying. That was one of the turning points in our decision to leave for Poland.
Searching for Safety: Our Journey to Poland
When we decided to leave, finding a driver was not easy. We searched for someone who would agree to take us, and after two long days, we found a man who agreed to drive us to Mykolaiv for a high fee. I remember it was 9,000 UAH—a price that would’ve seemed outrageous in peacetime. The trip from Kherson to Mykolaiv took five and a half hours due to numerous checkpoints.
Even after reaching Mykolaiv, the difficulties continued. We missed the volunteer bus and ended up on the street with backpacks and two large bags. The whole family was tense, and it was emotionally exhausting. Luckily, we eventually found a driver who agreed to take us to the Varvarivskyi Bridge.
Welcome to Poland
When we crossed the Polish border, we were greeted by volunteers who provided us with incredible support. It was a revelation. They took our bags, gave us tea, and offered toys to the children. The feeling of care and support was unforgettable. Poland welcomed us with open arms, helping us forget the fear we had experienced.
In Poland, we received various benefits—300 PLN per person and 500 PLN per child under the 500+ program. This support helped us adapt and meet our basic needs. We also received aid from the UN, amounting to about 2,500 PLN per month, which significantly contributed to our financial stability.
Adapting to Life in Poland
Moving to Poland brought new challenges, including unfamiliar language and cultural differences. Fortunately, many people were willing to help, which was unexpected. We met kind individuals who asked us what we needed. Even local residents on the street offered us food and clothing.
Getting medical care in Poland was also much easier than in Ukraine. I had an issue with my hand swelling at work, and I was given medical attention without delay. The free healthcare system (PSZ) has been a major advantage. When I saw my children receive care without obstacles, I knew we had made the right choice by coming to Poland.
Looking to the Future
Now, after three months in Poland, I feel we’ve adapted to the new environment. My children attend school, communicate with their Polish peers, and are starting to understand the language. As for me, I’ve started learning Polish and can now communicate with locals.
Still, Kherson is my home, and I dream of going back when all of this ends. I hope we’ll be able to return to Ukraine and rebuild our lives. But for now, I understand that Poland is the place where my family can be safe and have access to the essentials for living.
In the end, I want to express my deep gratitude to Poland and to all the people who helped us. It’s been an incredible journey, filled with both hardship and generosity. We made a choice that I hope will lead to a better future for my children.
