CORE Provides Job Training for IDPs Impacted by the War in Ukraine
Victoria Sauliak has lived with her three children in Mykolaiv for two years, forced to seek refuge after Russian forces invaded her native village in the Khersonska oblast. In Mykolaiv, Victoria, like everyone, was just looking to keep her and her family safe. But with her husband serving in the military and amid unrelenting fighting, times continued to be difficult.
She found part-time work several times but did not have a stable job. “I worked as a saleswoman in a store for a while. But I didn’t have a permanent job,” Victoria said.
Eventually, Victoria decided to take a chance and learn a new profession. “I often take public transportation, and one day, I saw an ad looking for students to train as trolleybus drivers. I decided to give it a try,” she said.
For many, taking that leap can be daunting, and with the cost of courses, the financial barrier can seem insurmountable. Fortunately, Victoria is one of seventeen people in the CORE-funded program who received a scholarship that covers the costs and promises employment after completing the course. And Victoria felt that the job would be a natural fit.
“I wasn’t afraid to learn this profession or to drive large vehicles. Before the war, I worked in vineyards and drove a tractor in my hometown,” says the woman. She adds that, although she is satisfied and enjoys her studies, she wants to start working as soon as possible.
“Right now, learning a new profession is very important to me…After all, this is the first time I feel stable since losing my home and job because of the war,” she said.
After completing their training, Victoria and her classmates will work for Mykolaivelektrotrans. Currently, there are 12 trolleybus routes in Mykolaiv, using about 60 vehicles.
Victoria is grateful for the opportunity to learn new skills and get a job that will support her family. Since moving to Mykolaiv, her three children have stepped up to help with housework and other daily chores while she finds work. “Three years after the start of the war, I finally found a permanent job, and I don’t have to worry about the future anymore. I have many plans, and I need to ensure that my younger children receive some kind of professional training. A stable income will help our family achieve this important goal.”
If you would like to learn more about CORE’s ongoing work in Ukraine, please visit our response page. If you’d like to give to support this vital work, please visit our Emergency Response Fund page.