From war to daycare: Evgenya Chervatuk's path in Bad Breisig

From war to daycare: Evgenya Chervatuk's path in Bad Breisig

As of: November 19, 2024 11:49 a.m

Evgenya Chervatuk, a 37-year-old Ukrainian, fled the war from Kiev to Rhineland-Palatinate with her young daughter Olga in March 2022. After an arduous journey of almost 2,000 kilometers, the family found refuge with a helpful couple in Bad Breisig. Despite the challenges that came with living in a foreign country, Evgenya did not give up. She learned German and now works in a daycare center.

Over 50,000 Ukrainians live in Rhineland-Palatinate, many of whom have fled the war. Integration into German society is often a challenge that requires discipline, hard work and a bit of luck. Evgenya, who studied mathematics and economics in Ukraine, faced the difficulty of finding a job without good language skills. Her first attempts to work in daycare centers or as a cleaner were unsuccessful. Crucial advice from a counselor at the job center helped her initially concentrate on learning the German language.

Learning the German language as the first step

The first few months were hard. Evgenya attended five hours of German classes every day while looking after her daughter in the afternoons. Despite the tormenting fears about the future and the fatigue that often plagued her, she didn't give up. Her daughter Olga, then four years old, was a great support. “Mom, keep your nose up, it’ll be okay,” she encouraged Evgenya in difficult times.

Thanks to the support of many helpful people and her own persistence, Evgenya finally found a permanent position as a teaching specialist at the Sonnenschein kindergarten in January 2023. “I really enjoy the work,” she says, looking proudly at her successes. Her family has now settled in in Bad Breisig and wants to stay here, even if the separation from friends and family in Ukraine hurts. “We have a future here,” emphasizes Evgenya resolutely.