Büşra, ESC volunteer from Turkey

“I can’t stand wars in this world”. That’s what I thought on 24th February, when the conflict started in Ukraine, and part of the population had to flee. This is also the case of my country, Turkey. People were constantly coming because they were forced to do so. I feel very sorry when such things happen, because no one should leave home due to a conflict. People’s lives are being disrupted and we cannot prevent it. Nevertheless, I have joined protests in front of the Russian embassy and in the main square because I am against wars.

As soon as the conflict in Ukraine began, I joined other volunteers to help. The first time I was in the warehouse and we sorted things like pillows, quilts and clothes.  We carried them to the cars and those cars went to the Polish border.  Then I was at Szafa Dobra. There, we prepared clothes and it was more organised and systematic.  Everyone was given a task and we could make new and clean clothes available for refugees.  Then they came and took the items.

Volunteering for Ukrainian refugees changed my view. I realised how important it is to help each other as human beings. In this project, we are not only working in a school, we are helping people who really need us and this changed my perspective. We are also facing this situation in Turkey and I know very well what it means to be a refugee. When I come back home, I will do more. People need help and you do something for them. I think real solidarity is that simple.

When I was at Szafa Dobra, I met a lot of people from all over the world, even from the USA. They just came here to help, not for a holiday or other purposes. There were not only youngsters, but also older people. Everyone wanted to help. I am grateful I have met them and I have been there. People are very helpful and everyone wants to do something. This was an important moment for me.