Blue and yellow are the colors of Ukraine. Blue stands for the vastness of the sky, yellow for the almost endless wheat fields. To describe Ukraine, the color black should also be mentioned: The Black Sea stretches to the south - the gateway to the wide world.
Ukraine must be a fascinating country. I decide to fly there for New Year's Eve 2021/22. Before the trip to Kyiv, I have this impression of the country: an up-and-coming economy, a colorful cultural offering, the people's zest for life. However, dark clouds are gathering on the horizon. Russia has been deploying troops since the fall of 2021. Even before Christmas, I no longer believe that this is just a threat. My travel preparations now also include thinking about my reaction in the event of an emergency. The worst-case scenario would be an invasion. I prepare an escape route
In the end, the trip didn't happen. An illness put paid to my plans. But I will make up for it. I want to meet these people who have been through three years of war. They have lost a lot, but not one thing - their hope.
In February 2022, the worst comes to the worst. Russian troops invade Ukraine. An exodus to the west begins. I want to do something for the Ukrainians here in Switzerland. The Humanitarian Emergency Aid Association is looking for a managing director for its aid activities for three months in September 2022. A school is to be set up on the side. That seems to me to be the right job to start with.
I will stay in this job. From January 2023, I will be able to devote myself entirely to running the school at the day center in Sevelen. The offer is growing. With strong support from the canton, the language courses are organized in three stages. There is a particular focus on practising speaking. There is also a painting course for children. A course in Ukrainian is being organized for helpers. Social contacts can be cultivated in the cooking club. Here, people usually sit together in a cheerful atmosphere.
New questions arise in the management of the center. The teachers are extremely committed, even over the Christmas and New Year period. This is important, but there is a risk of burning out. So I introduce course-free weeks. Finally, the team agreed to adopt the vacation calendar of the primary school. We need these breaks. Teachers can take a deep breath, and students can get their bearings. We pay more attention to the mental state of the course participants. A psychologist is in the building every week. She doesn't have to do anything, she's just there and listens. This makes her an important source of support for many.
We celebrate at the day center when the first graduates find a job. The school grows and the range of courses becomes more varied. We begin to offer Ukrainian Trainées as teaching assistants. This is a language booster for them. At the same time, it opens up new methodological possibilities in the courses. Soon half of the team will be made up of our former students. They are trained in their teaching activities by an accredited language school. After completing a course, they receive a diploma. It is a pleasure to hold such a document in your hands. At the same time, the hope of finding suitable employment in Switzerland grows. Around 60% of Ukrainians have completed a degree. With the current shortage of skilled workers, it must be possible to train your own Skills to be able to use them.
The Ukraine Day Center in Sevelen was born out of a spontaneous willingness to help after the outbreak of war. The impetus for this came from members of the St. Gallen cantonal parliament. This triggered a huge wave of solidarity. I joined six months later. After two and a half years, I am handing over the management of the center. The courses will continue to be run by a foundation based in Buchs. This has broader opportunities to promote and support in all areas.
The work at the day center was intense, exciting and enriching. I'll probably sit down at some point and write a book about my experiences. I already have the title: Sevelen - On the road in Ukraine's westernmost village.
Ueli Frei works in the archives and library of the Methodist Church, is in charge of the Methodist library in Lausanne and is on the Board of Directories of the United Methodist Publishing House in Nashville.
He is the founder of ARCHPUNT and is currently working on a biography of Bishop John L. Nuelsen.
The war continues, people live in uncertainty and there is still a lack of everything.
And even when the war ends, the grievances will not be resolved.
The country is therefore still dependent on aid
