I- Crossing Borders: The Rozbitskaya Family’s Flight from Invasion
Jane’s story begins in Kiev, the bustling capital of Ukraine, where she grew up, started a family, and worked as a project manager. However, in 2015, the Russian-Ukrainian crisis led to the annexation of Crimea, changing everything for Jane’s family. This event pushed them to move to Odesa, a city on Ukraine’s southern coast.
It was a new beginning for them. Jane’s husband had secured a job there, and the family adapted to their new environment over the next seven years. The city, with its picturesque beaches and rich cultural heritage, became a second home for the Rozbitskaya family. Yet, the shadow of conflict was closer and closer everyday, eventually pushing them to make another life-altering move.
When Russian forces advanced into Ukraine in February 2022, the Rozbitskaya family found themselves in a situation that required swift action. With careful planning, they quickly packed their essentials and left. Two factors facilitated their escape: their meticulous organisation and the proximity of the Romanian border, which was less congested.
II- A New Chapter in Timisoara
After crossing into Romania, the Rozbitskayas initially spent two weeks in Cluj. However, as the conflict continued, Jane looked for a more permanent accommodation for her family. They soon heard about Timisoara, a city known for its support of Ukrainian refugees. As soon as they arrived, they immediately received help from friends, making their relocation and integration easier. Jane, having benefited from the support, felt compelled to help other refugees. She began volunteering at the support centre in Timisoara, offering her skills as a translator. This was particularly valuable for Ukrainian refugees who did not speak Romanian or English. The center provided a comprehensive range of services, bringing together social services, NGOs, and other support organizations to assist the displaced population.
Recognizing the challenges in communication and information sharing, Jane took the initiative to create a Telegram group, a popular social network in Ukraine. This platform connected Ukrainians with local actors, including authorities, NGOs, and volunteers, providing a crucial link for information and assistance. Jane emphasizes the importance of involving migrants in the initiatives designed to help them. "It is essential not to consider migrants as passive actors but to involve them in initiatives so that they can ultimately help themselves without being dependent on aid," she insists.
In April 2023, she founded the NGO 'Faina UA,' which now leads the Ukrainian community in Timișoara. The organization has been instrumental in organizing over 30 intercultural projects aimed at uniting Ukrainians and locals through cultural initiatives. Their goals include promoting intercultural dialogue, empowering Ukrainians, and establishing ‘Faina Casa,’ a cultural center for the long-term representation of Ukrainian values in Timișoara.
III- Timisoara: A Model of Multicultural Support
Jane is full of praise for the municipality of Timisoara and its inhabitants, who have worked very hard to facilitate the integration of refugees. Timisoara, a historically multicultural city, was designated European Capital of Culture in 2023. This title has inspired many activities promoting cultural sharing helping displaced people by encouraging participation from marginalized communities and fostering understanding among locals.
Over the past two and a half years, many of the projects initiated have focused on Ukrainian cultural diplomacy and fostering dialogue between Ukrainian and local cultures. Many of these initiatives were the result of Jane's extensive networking with over 30 local organizations, whose willingness to collaborate led to joint project writing and securing funding. Jane emphasizes that her aim goes beyond merely supporting refugees; she is dedicated to raising awareness about Ukraine, making the Ukrainian community visible and active, and ensuring that European countries understand the truth about Ukraine and the ongoing war. For Jane, it's crucial that Ukrainians, even while temporarily displaced, take on the role of ambassadors, sharing information about Ukraine and its struggles until the end of this conflict.
The city organizes various activities such as picnics, dance classes, concerts, film screenings, and art exhibitions. These events not only provide a sense of normalcy and enjoyment for refugees but also help bridge cultural gaps, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Jane Rozbitskaya’s journey from Kyiv to Timisoara is a testament to the resilience and power of community support. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Jane remains hopeful for her family’s future. Her story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring strength of those who overcome it. By supporting these initiatives and promoting the development of public policies for the dignified reception of migrants, the WELDI network embodies the spirit of solidarity and the importance of a proactive commitment to creating a better future for all displaced people.