Ukrainian community in Doha looks forward to peaceful times
The Ukrainian community in Doha is indeed going through a difficult time emotionally. While all of them are definitely safe and grateful for the safe haven that Qatar provides them, their hearts still ache for the uncertain times their country is going through. To not be able to be there with their loved ones and family members during such times is indeed a very heart-wrenching situation. We reached out to the Ukrainian community and asked them to share how they felt. Viktoria got in conversation with us and here’s what she had to say.
Viktoria Prokhorenko lives 5,000 kilometers away from her heart, Ukraine. She wears a beautifully intricate, hand-stitched top, known as a Vyshyvanka and it is a valuable part of her culture. Viktoria reminisces over multiple aspects of her country: right from its inspirational and hardworking people, to the snowy mountains, and the delicious beet soup that is called “Borscht”. Memories of Ukraine bring a smile to Viktoria’s kind-hearted face, but these days, they also bring heartache.
“I am originally from Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. My family, friends, and the most valuable memories of my life are there. Most importantly, the most important person in my life is there: My mother.” On February 24, Viktoria woke up to three voice messages from her mother. They were concerning messages, informing her that the situation in Ukraine had escalated. The circumstances were not good. Being far from home has come with its challenges for Viktoria. The love she has for her mother is limitless, and not being able to be there physically to comfort her has been difficult for Viktoria.
Throughout this difficult time, Viktoria’s resilient mindset has pushed her to grow and persevere by finding reasons to move forward and smile. The diversity in Qatar inspires Viktoria to feel closer to home. “It is nice that whenever I go to Carrefour, I see the products made in my home country. I can get my butter and milk products and go home feeling happy.” The diversity in Qatar has also been a source of inspiration for Viktoria, she tells Qatar Living, “I love that I wear my Ukrainian top, I pass by an Indian woman wearing her beautiful clothing, and I see a woman wearing her abaya. Here, we all live in peace and respect together.”
As a result, her newfound home, Doha has inspired Viktoria to do her bit by organizing humanitarian aid with the growing Ukrainian community in Qatar. Even though they are far from home, coming together has inspired them to find a way to offer their support and help during a critical time for their homeland.
The crisis has taught her many lessons in a short period of time, one of the most valuable lessons being that she must seize the opportunity to live life to its fullest. “Tomorrow is not guaranteed and nothing is impossible in this world. If you want to change something in your life, or you want to learn a language, just do it. Change starts from within. The more people are changing themselves in a good way, the more people will leave positive examples in this world for others to benefit from.”
Viktoria firmly believes the main purpose of life is to live peacefully with one another by offering appreciation and support. Living in Qatar has reaffirmed these feelings and strengthened them. Though her heart aches for Ukraine, Viktoria is filled with constant hope. She tells Qatar Living, “We should live in peace and love, we should help each other as much as possible, and we should live and value every moment as it comes our way.”
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