Friday 24 February 2023

A Sad Anniversary We Never Thought Would Happen

After a year of war in Ukraine, displaced Ukrainians are busy learning a new language and making sure their kids get an education.

The UN estimates that 9.5 million Ukrainians have fled their country. France has welcomed about 105 000 (compared to 1.5 million in Poland and a million in Germany). 

Displaced Ukrainians singing carols, Indre et Loire, France. Photo by Loire Valley Time Travel.
Some of 'our' Ukrainians singing carols.

Indre et Loire has about 800, and the State is providing housing for 230 of those (half of whom are at Ville aux dames and Amboise). About 350 are in lodgings provided by social agencies and around 200 are being housed by private citizens. The State has spent 3.4 million euros on housing and access to lodgings.

More than 200 children are in school. Last year 231 Ukrainians were enrolled in French as a Foreign Language courses in the Département.

Displaced Ukrainians on an outing to the Chateau of Chenonceau, Indre et Loire, France. Photo by Loire Valley Time Travel.
'Our' Ukrainians on an outing to the Chateau of Chenonceau.

The State acknowledges that it would have been unable to manage without the help of volunteer associations and professionals as well as local municipal council members working alongside the Préfecture to make sure all the Ukrainians in the Touraine are welcomed, helped and housed.

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