October 31, 2024
News
The war in Ukraine has turned millions of civilian lives upside down. However, there are people who are ready to overcome any challenge. One of them is Denys, a father of three daughters who, after evacuating his family from the frontline Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, received a grant for his training from Caritas Czech Republic and successfully completed a therapeutic massage course. For Denys, this is an opportunity to resume his career path and improve his family's financial situation.
9 days hiding in the basement, followed by being stranded in the mountains
"Yesterday, the Russians attacked our neighbourhood in Kharkiv again with bombs. You must have seen it on the news..." Denys starts the conversation when we meet. Since the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, his hometown has been under severe attack: hospitals, schools and living blocks have been hit by enemy fire.
Until 24 February 2022, Denys lived in the centre of Kharkiv with his wife and two daughters. He had a house and was developing his own branded footwear and clothing store. "When the attack on Kharkiv had begun, we were hiding in the basement. We spent 9 days there, and then jumped in the car and fled the city amid deafening explosions, " Denys recalls.
He saw an advertisement on the Internet offering a low-priced house in the mountains. However, after a long and exhausting journey, the family was disappointed.
"There was no mobile phone connection and no acceptable living conditions. My daughter fell ill, and it was extremely difficult to get medicines,“ Denys says. Eventually, the family left the rural area and moved to the city of Ivano-Frankivsk. Here the couple welcomed their third child, daughter Dominika.
Massage skills in action: I am glad I can help my family
In his new place, Denys renewed his business of selling goods . However, now his shop is online. When he found out about the mini-grants from Caritas Czech Republic, he was excited about the idea and chose to take a therapeutic massage course.
"I graduated from medical college with honours, but my family had no money for my higher medical education. Thanks to the massage courses, I now see a future for myself and plan to improve my skills. I am truly grateful for this support,“ says Denys.
Khrystyna, a teacher at the School of Health, where Denys studied, notes his diligence and perseverance while learning. According to her, the profession of a massage therapist is in high demand in Ukraine today. In particular, the certificate allows Denys to both work in a medical institution and start a private practice.
Denys's family was the first to feel the positive changes.
"I am glad that I can help my family. My wife no longer suffers from back pain after a massage, and my 10-month-old daughter is developing flexibility thanks to our exercises,“ Denys says with a smile. He is currently exploring rehabilitation massage to help both civilians and the military in their recovery.
“I see myself here, and I want to be useful in Ukraine,“ sums up Denys.
How Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine helps people from the war zones get back on their feet
Denys is one of 37 motivated Ukrainians who, after being evacuated from the war zone, decided to change the lives of their families for the better and received mini-grants for their education and training from Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine in the summer of 2024. The Livelihoods project operates in Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Transcarpathian regions. Its goal is to help people affected by the war to restore their source of income, develop their careers, or start their own businesses.
Participants were given the opportunity to choose an educational institution and the course direction, allowing them to master the skills they need to earn money in six months or less.
The beauty industry is traditionally a popular area, including manicure, pedicure, massage, hairdressing, waxing and make-up. The second most popular are courses in psychological assistance, online marketing, social media marketing, and IT. There are also students who have chosen to improve their skills as sommeliers and car detailers.
As of today, 15 internally displaced persons have successfully completed their training, and the remaining courses will continue until the end of the year. Some have already found jobs in their chosen field or are actively developing their business.
The project is being implemented with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and in cooperation with the Rockada Charitable Foundation in Ivano-Frankivsk.
