A great number of people have already decided to take in Ukrainian refugees, either in their own homes or in apartments that they have at their disposal. But how well is this cohabitation working out?
Our colleagues from RTL spike to some families about their experiences from the last weeks.
Sarah and Jean-Paul Haas, who live on a horse farm in Flaxweiler, did not hesitate for very long when they heard about the war in Ukraine and the unfolding refugee crisis. The couple had a free employee room and with the help of veterinary Edmond Meyers, they took in family Grygorenko.
Jean-Paul elaborated: “They are not here to beg or benefit from us. Already on the second day, they offered to help out with work. They are city people who have never seen a cow or horse. Viktor also told me that he would like to ride the tractor. He is practicing at the moment, maybe that will still work out.”
Daria and Viktor think it is self-evident that they help out, even if it is mainly to forget about the war. Their world has been turned upside down, which is why they need to get accustomed to a new life: “We made many mistakes on the first day, but it is getting easier. We get up in the morning and see what there is to do. We are extremely happy to help in some way and make life a little easier.”
Sarah already thinks of them as part of the family. Nevertheless, she warned that not everyone is suited to having strangers live in their home, which is why people should think it through before offering support: “It works both ways, there are at times shady people looking for help and shady people offering it.”
Further reading: 68% of Luxembourg residents fear a third world war
Alina and her friend Elena fled from Ukraine without their fathers, who had to stay behind. They now live with Deborah Donckel in Bonnevoie, where they had a chance to get accustomed to Luxembourg over the past couple of days.
Nevertheless, they still hope that they can return home at some point: “We really appreciate the help that we are getting here, but we don’t want to be a burden to Deborah, which is why we cannot stay too long.”
It does not always work out between host and refugee. Before the two girls came to live with Deborah, there was a woman with her son, but she left again for not feeling at ease: “They were very nervous and did not know anyone. I think it is better that they are now with friends in Trier.”
