The temporary accommodation facility for women and children "PrykhystOK" in Uzhhorod is not only a place of residence, but also a collection of life stories, each of which includes a moment when a decision was made to leave home due to the circumstances of war. Today we are talking to Maryna Baydak from the village of Kosivshchyna in the Sumy region, who is staying at the shelter with her daughter Varvara.

Since the start of the full-scale russian-Ukrainian war, Maryna and her daughter have left their home due to the significant deterioration of the security situation.

"When my daughter was very young, she didn’t react much to the sounds of explosions, which are always audible around us. But later, she began to be frightened by loud planes. Every time it was stressful for both her and me. The situation became critical, so we decided to evacuate. We learned from friends that it was possible to get temporary shelter in Uzhhorod, and we took advantage of this opportunity", says Maryna.

This is the family’s first visit to Uzhhorod. Although the city remains relatively safe, the first two weeks of their stay, according to Maryna Baydak, were filled with anxiety. One-and-a-half-year-old Varvara took the move more easily.

"My daughter is my main focus right now. I devote all my time to her. My social circle consists of my neighbors at the shelter, and my daughter has also made friends here. In addition, we often visit playgrounds and interact with other charitable organizations. Overall, we have managed to stabilize our situation in Uzhhorod and gather strength for future plans. Unfortunately, the situation is not improving, and we cannot return home", adds the shelter resident.

Most of Maryna Baydak’s acquaintances remain in Ukraine, despite the security risks and the proximity of their village to the border with russia. Maryna also sees her future in her homeland.

"My family, relatives, and friends are here. When my daughter starts going to kindergarten, I will return to work, and we will overcome life’s difficulties together as a family. Life goes on, and having a child makes this feeling even stronger", concludes our interlocutor.

The temporary accommodation facility for internally displaced women and children "PrykhystOK" operates thanks to the project "Mother and Child Home for IDPs in Uzhhorod", which is being implemented by the Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattya in cooperation with "terre des hommes Deutschland e.V.".