Kateryna, IOM Slovakia consultant

As a Ukrainian living in Slovakia, I was completely appalled when I heard about the Russian attack on Ukraine on the morning of 24 February 2022. Ever since then I felt like it was my responsibility to help my country in any way I possibly could.

After refugees began to enter Slovakia, I started volunteering at border crossing points and reception centers, so joining IOM was a logical next step in my journey to help people.

At IOM I provide information and legal counselling to people fleeing Ukraine, I also help them with transportation – finding a bus or calling a taxi. I try to provide support in the cases where I am competent enough to do it.

It is important for me to do this job, because as a citizen of Ukraine and as a human being as well, I feel the responsibility for helping those in need, especially when I have the ability to do it.

When people first arrive in Slovakia, they are often lost and scared, so even hearing their native language helps them to feel more comfortable. I also think that the informational support that I provide helps the people feel more secure and make their further decision with a greater precision. Besides, at my work I also collect the data about the needs of the people arriving from Ukraine, so that can also help them receive the support they need.

This view presented herein do not necessarily represent the opinions of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).