Between Risk and Research

Halyna Tsyhanenko, you were very engaged in Ukraine, academically and socially, until you had to leave almost four years ago. Can you tell us more about the situation that caused you to flee?

Until 24 February 2022 our small family lived in Kyiv. When Russia launched its full scale war, our city was and still is t the main target for Russian occupation. From the outset it was clear that this was quite a dangerous and scary situation for a child and that we had to leave. My backpack was ready because at that time my students and I had a feeling about this invasion happening soon. When it started, we spent a couple days at a shelter of our church, before my daughter’s godfather helped us move to the west Ukraine. On 4 March 2022 we finally left the country – with my 14-year-old cat in one hand and my four-year-old daughter in the other, carrying only a small backpack with some medication and food.

What then brought you to Switzerland and where could you initially find shelter?

First, we crossed the border to Poland. We spent three days in Warsaw before I decided to accept an offer from one of my previous colleagues from volunteer work who had found a host family for us in Basel. For two and a half months they gave us part of their home. When I had found work and our own accommodations, we moved out, but we still are grateful for all the help they gave us.

What were your main findings with your research?

Ukrainian people here feel social exclusion mainly because of the language barrier, their temporary status and the uncertain situation with the war. And they struggle to find work. By law you may have access to the job market, but in reality, not many employers want to offer a job to someone with a temporary permit. But I also found that some people feel welcome and there are in fact some opportunities to find a job. The trend in my study showed that the people who weren’t just looking for information, empathy or social support but who started actively doing something and overcoming challenges instead turned out to be more resilient. Many of them found a job.

Finally, what experiences or approaches have helped you, personally, in building a new life and identity?

Having your own boundaries is very important, because it gives you some form. But know that you are also still part of a bigger human community as a global citizen. For example, I lead a Ukrainian Pfadi group here in Basel and once, when we were in our Ukrainian Pfadi uniform, somebody asked us why we didn’t just join the Swiss Pfadi organization instead of doing our own group. I answered «Because I’m Ukrainian». Our culture runs deep. But that doesn’t mean that I cannot accept Swiss culture. For example, I’m learning German. But I respect my culture and, because of that, I respect other people and their culture as well. It’s essential that we understand diversity within a community and cooperate.