‘I felt helpless in the beginning but now I have found a purpose’
THE INTERPRETERS
Two of the most vital components making the Meath Rest Centre work are interpreters Justyna Boland and Roman Ryzhkov.
Justyna has been an ever present at the Rest Centre since it opened, translating the introductions and inductions, meetings and council documents as well as acting as liaison officer for the groups and individuals who come through the doors.
"I'm originally from Poland but my mum is Ukrainian and apart from my mum, all my family is in Ukraine, so this all started for me from my own personal fear.
“I started gathering humanitarian aid at the start of the conflict and the generosity of the public in Meath completely exceeded my expectations and after just two days I had a full house.
“The Civil Defence helped me with that and we coordinated efforts to send aid to Ukraine and Poland.
"After that I was asked to help translate for the first group who arrived here and today we have sent off our seventh group.
"It's very emotional but very rewarding. I would lie if I said it didn't affect me especially when I think of my own personal situation. I felt helpless in the beginning but now I have found a purpose. Not only do I provide a service for people but it helps me also to deal with the situation, it's symbiosis. It's not only me doing something for them, they're doing a lot for me as well.
Justyna says the reward for the job is seeing the transformation in the Ukrainian guests over the few days spent at the rest centre.
"Every single group is different, every single person is different, and I never ask them about their story. I don't want to re-traumatise them but I always make them feel like I'm there for them. We have had people who have come out of fear of what may happen if they stay in Ukraine but also people with the most horrendous stories.
“It's strange to see them in the beginning very fearful but thanks to the volunteers here within a day or two they actually start smiling.
“It was surprising in the beginning but now I'm used to it because I see the work of the Civil Defence volunteers and the Council staff so I'm prepared for this type of transformation now."
Justyna says the visitors feel well looked after when they're here and are grateful for the assistance they receive. Saying goodbye to each group as they leave for their new homes doesn't get any easier either.
“It doesn't because I'm actually treating them like my own. If anybody from my family would leave Ukraine I would like somebody to look after them as I'm trying to look after our guests.
"I have at least two families from each group that I'm keeping in contact with each week checking on how they're doing and that they know, even if they move, they're not alone."
Roman Ryzhkov (23), is the other interpreter on site and he knows full well just how the new arrivals are experiencing.
"I was in this situation two months ago when I was among the first group of Ukrainians to come to Meath and I now work as an interpreter for the Civil Defence and council so know fully about all the processes involved and that helps me to get people settled in.
“Sometimes I get to meet people from my hometown (Kherson) and it's good to know that I am now helping people from my own country. It can be a bit crazy but it's good to help and to know that I can make difference."