www.unesa.ac.id
SURABAYA-Since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine broke out on February 24, 2022, millions of Ukrainians have fled to various border countries, one of which is Poland. Reporting from Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Polish Interior Ministry reported that about 500 thousand residents of the country dubbed the "European Bread Basket" had fled to Poland.
Welcoming the wave of refugees, the Polish government established reception posts and provided basic necessities. Many citizens are involved in solidarity actions and become volunteers. Seeing the deplorable condition of refugees physically and psychologically, Khofidotur Rofiah, a lecturer in Special Education (PLB) at the State University of Surabaya, UNESA, who is currently pursuing a doctoral program at the Pedagogical Department of the University of Cracow, Poland, during his studies, has also devoted himself as a volunteer.
The woman who is familiarly called Fia said that since the wave of refugees arrived in Poland, the residents there quickly gathered all basic needs, from food, clothing; clothes, blankets, toiletries, children's toys, medicines and so on were quickly distributed to the refugees.
"Thank God I got the opportunity to help collect, select, package and distribute various basic needs to the refugees," he said by telephone on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
Even though it is quite draining, it takes time and requires high mobility and worries that always haunt. However, for Fia it did not become a significant obstacle, because humanitarian matters were the most important. Volunteering is also not the first time for him, while in Indonesia, from being a student to being appointed as a lecturer, he is active in various humanitarian social activities at the UNESA Center for Disability Studies and Services (PSLD).
He added that the war between the two countries is very worrying and threatens the safety of the population. Not only in the warring country, but also in the surrounding countries. "Residents here (Poland, ed) are worried and afraid, especially Ukrainians and Russians, of course psychologically very shaken," he said.
The displaced Ukrainians, he continued, were divided into several categories, some with the aim of escaping to their family, relatives or friends in Poland and many who did not have family or friends. "So at the reception center or post, the government prepares an information center, later those with families will be directed to the destination area, even accommodation is prepared," he explained.
Meanwhile, for refugees who do not have families, accommodation and basic needs are provided at the refugee center and the government guarantees their rights. "The name war concerning safety is certainly fear and pressure. Pity for the vulnerable, parents, mothers and children. I can't imagine being in their position. Hopefully, the conflict will end soon and the two countries will soon make peace," he hoped. [UNESA PR]
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