Hoje, dia 24 de fevereiro de 2023, completa-se 1 ano desde o início do conflito armado entre a Ucrânia e a Rússia. Há 1 ano que a Ucrânia acumula traumas de guerra. São 365 dias de paz roubada, 7 mil mortos e 11 mil civis feridos. São marcas que nem o tempo sabe se um dia será capaz de curar, de uma barbárie que não tem fim à vista.

Milhares de jovens fugiram, em fevereiro do ano passado, com uma mochila carregada de medos avassaladores e incertezas de que futuro iriam viver. Portugal abriu as portas e a Academia do Porto abriu os corações. São muitos os cidadãos ucranianos que hoje estudam nas nossas Instituições.

Confrontados com os 365 dias de Guerra, 2 estudantes, vítimas da brutalidade russa, quiseram partilhar o seu testemunho.

 

«First there was panic, then emptiness and depression, a year later, I feel that the war has become a part of my life. But most of all, for some reason, I feel pride and admiration for my people with steel will and huge hearts.»

Anastasiia Karasynska

 

“I still can't believe that I haven't been home or seen the people who are vital to me for so long. It makes me feel like I have to be stronger than I am.”

Daniil Pogorielov

 

Aterrar num país desconhecido, com uma língua que não compreendem e sem qualquer rede de apoio é assustadoramente corajoso. Felizmente, a cidade do Porto, com toda a hospitalidade que a caracteriza, tem sido um verdadeiro Porto Seguro. E a experiência no Ensino Superior surpreendentemente positiva, dizem.

 

«I am forever grateful to all countries for their amazing support, and of course to Portugal, which did everything so I would have an opportunity to build a new life in a new country. To get higher education in one of the most exciting fields was the best thing that could happen to me here. All the teachers at university were very welcoming since day one and the course is incredibly interesting.»

Anastasiia Karasynska

 

«My integration in Portugal went well, thanks to my aunt and the people I met along the way. Most of my classmates and other students are nice people and some of them help me with some difficulties from time to time. My overall experience of studying in Portugal has been positive. I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me.»

Daniil Pogorielov

 

Certos de que a Academia pode fazer sempre mais e melhor, a FAP quis saber quais os seus apelos. Não podemos encerrar a atrocidade, mas podemos facilitar a vida de quem luta, diariamente, para se reerguer.

 

«The simplest thing you can do is not being indifferent and keep bringing awareness. We could create an online platform where the Portuguese and Ukrainians could interact and make projects together, since many Ukrainians cannot leave the country for now but want to integrate into European society.»

Anastasiia Karasynska

 

“Most of my classes are in English, but unfortunately for me, two very important classes are in Portuguese, so I don't feel comfortable in those subjects. Which is also reflected in my grades. I would be grateful if classes for Ukrainian students were conducted in English or if Ukrainian students had intensive courses in Portuguese.”

Daniil Pogorielov

 

Mais do que nunca, a Federação Académica do Porto tem a certeza de que a Educação é, de facto, a chave para a liberdade e para a paz.