How Are 'Our' Ukrainians Getting On?

The Association d'Accueil et Accompagnement ddes Réfugiés en Sud Touraine, of which I'm a committee member, has been working with displaced Ukrainians since the beginning of the full scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

 

Nataliya and Anna, both of whom have moved to bigger cities where there are more opportunities.

So it is three years already since the sad exodus from Ukraine and the arrival in Preuilly sur Claise and surrounding villages of 'our' Ukrainian families.

Since April 2022 AARST has striven to accompany the Ukrainians in the different aspects of their lives here -- housing, health, administration, learning the French language, education, employment, transport and leisure.

 

Franco-Ukrainian Christmas party.

Today there are 24 Ukrainians in Preuilly, 6 in Yzeures sur Creuse, and 10 in la Roche Posay. So 40 people in all, of which 14 are children.

The children speak better and better French, and receive a mostly normal education. All of the women work -- at the retirement home, home help, local businesses, restaurants, school cantines, the town hall, and some have their own businesses (eg as couturiers). They have become independent. One family has left for Tours so their older children can continue their education. Another family has emigrated to the United States.

 

Our beautiful Ukrainian women.

Some families have had their share of bad news from Ukraine or have had to face serious illness. They all hold their heads high, despite the war that goes on and on. AARST entered 2025 knowing that the uncertainties are likely to persist. But there is always some hope that the war will end this year.

'Our' families still have numerous needs to be met by us, but our team of volunteers is wonderful, always ready to help, and we have the support of the town halls of Preuilly and Yzeures, other charitable associations and donors.

 

Ukrainian children playing at a picnic I organised.

Thank you everyone.

 

Mainly translated from Christiane Beau's annual report for AARST. She is the president and founder of AARST.