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From Odessa to Brașov: The Journey of Volodymyr and Kateryna
Two years ago, Volodymyr and Kateryna, two siblings from Odessa, Ukraine, embarked on a journey to a new life in Romania. Their story is one of resilience, adaptation, and showcases the power of community support.
Volodymyr and Kateryna – embracing new opportunities
Volodymyr, a law graduate and sports enthusiast, vividly recalls his initial challenges. "When we first arrived in Brașov, it was very difficult. We didn't know the language, we had no friends, and everything was new to us." Despite these obstacles, Volodymyr's determination never wavered. He took Romanian language classes and participated in various practical courses offered by IOM Romania.
"The experience with IOM was invaluable," Volodymyr points out. "We learned not just the basics of the Romanian language but also how to engage with locals. The interactive activities, like visiting the Mud Volcanoes and local restaurants, helped us integrate more smoothly."
Volodymyr also rekindled his passion for fencing in Brașov. "I continued my training at Corona Brașov Fencing Club. It was amazing to be able to communicate and compete with my peers there," he shares enthusiastically.
Kateryna shares her brother's sentiments. "When I first came to Romania, I felt it was a magnificent country. Now, with all the experiences and interactions with people from different backgrounds, I feel even more blessed to be here."
Thanks to her hard work and dedication, Kateryna reached B2 level in Romanian, and next year, she will start medical school.
"One of my dreams is to travel more and improve my Romanian and English skills. Being in Brașov has given me the confidence to pursue these goals."
IOM Romania – a beacon of support
The siblings learned about IOM Romania and its services through a WhatsApp group for Ukrainians. They enrolled in IOM Romania’s language courses, which helped them to enhance their linguistic skills and cultural understanding. "We learned how to speak, read, and write in Romanian. The courses included many activities that made learning enjoyable and effective," Volodymyr recounts.
The courses were not just about language acquisition; they were also therapeutic and integrative.
"The trips and picnics organized by IOM helped us relax and feel more at home. These activities improved our mental health and made our transition easier," Kateryna adds.
Picnic outing for IOM Romania beneficiaries in Brasov
Looking ahead
Volodymyr and Kateryna have found a sense of stability and purpose in Brașov. "We plan to stay here for the foreseeable future. I will continue my engineering studies, and Kateryna will pursue medicine," Volodymyr explains.
Their message to others in similar situations is clear: embrace the new culture, learn the language, and engage with the community.
"Listening to Romanian music, watching local films, and participating in cultural activities are excellent ways to integrate," Kateryna says.
The story of Volodymyr and Kateryna is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the critical role of supportive organizations like IOM Romania. Through education, community engagement, and cultural integration, they have turned a challenging situation into an opportunity for growth and connection. Their journey inspires hope and demonstrates that with the right support, anyone can find a new place to call home.
Photography from Volodymyr and Kateryna's personal archive.
