Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Alla and her family used to live in the village of Zapsillia in the Myropil community of Sumy Oblast. She worked as a primary school teacher, tended her garden, and took care of her home there. But the war forced her to leave everything behind and move to Sumy.
“We left with two bags,” Alla recalls. "My husband, children, mother... My mother's house is almost destroyed. So is ours. We were left with nothing — no home, no savings, no life that we had built over the years. But thanks to kind people in Sumy, we found a place to live.”
Alla’s husband is now in the military. She admits that this adds up to her anxiety, but at the same time, it gives her pride and understanding of what is worth holding on to. She takes care of her children and mother, works remotely as a teacher, and tries to maintain peace and stability in the family. Work helps Alla not only to stay emotionally stable, but also to maintain a sense of purpose. She shares that communicating with her students and supporting their families gives her strength as well.
Life in the city is not easy for Alla, because it is difficult for her to get used to living in an apartment after her usual rural life. She says that she feels like a “flower torn from its roots,” because she had to leave everything that was close to her heart.
Alla found out about the possibility of receiving a dignity kit from the NGO Girls by chance on one of the Telegram channels for IDPs. The woman said that this assistance was an important support during a difficult period. The kit contained personal hygiene products, underwear, care items, as well as safety and comfort items, including a whistle and a portable flashlight. All the items were high-quality and necessary, so the kit came in handy for Alla herself, her mother, and her daughters. She emphasizes that such assistance not only alleviates everyday difficulties but also gives a feeling of care as people who have left their homes because of the war understand that they have not been forgotten.
Alla is grateful to the NGO Girls for their attention and kindness. “You don't just help — you support us morally. The girls who handed out the kits were very nice and friendly. The feeling that someone cares about you and is happy to see you is very inspiring.”
In the most difficult moments, Alla draws strength from her family and her beloved work. Her main message for other women is to support their loved ones and not lose faith. “Support your family, especially those who are far away. And find something you love to do — something that gives you peace and regains your sense of self. Don’t live only for the news. Do something that won’t let you give up.”
Despite her losses, Alla remains strong. Her story is about how love, family, and caring people restore faith in the light even in the midst of darkness.
This publication was prepared as part of the project “Enhancing the safety, security and mental health of women and girls, as well as advancing their human rights,” implemented by the NGO Girls in cooperation with UN Women Ukraine, with financial support from the governments of Sweden and Latvia.
The opinions and judgments expressed in the text are the personal opinions of the beneficiary and do not necessarily reflect the views of UN Women, organizations, and donors supporting the project.
