“Standing on your feet is possible in the most difficult situation.” The success story of migrants from Donetsk region

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Building a successful business from scratch after having to leave your home due to shelling and go to another area seems impossible and almost fantastic. But this is reality. The family of the Kirichenkos from Donetsk region began to restore their own business in Poltava region: they opened their own dairy farm here and produce delicious craft cheeses. As part of the “Hide Your Own” project, “Ukrainian Pravda. Life” tells how forced migrants managed to find their vocation thanks to the support of those who care. “Flying meter cylinders” The family of the Kirichenkos was engaged in cattle breeding and the production of dairy products back in their native village of Markove, Kramatorsk district. By February 24, they had a herd of 26 individuals – cows, calves, bulls. In addition, pigs and chickens were kept. “Our life was completely settled: all economic buildings were built, all equipment was purchased, clients were developed. Everything went according to the flow,” says 43-year-old Olena Kirichenko. 43-year-old Olena Kirichenko Olena’s family is large. Together with her, there are 17 people – three sisters and a brother, their families and parents. “In Markovo, our families lived separately: each of us had a separate house and our own farm, each of us had a job. I worked as a teacher’s assistant in a kindergarten. My brother’s family lived in Kramatorsk. Our family was friendly: on holidays we always got together in parents’ house, and on weekdays they helped each other in village affairs: they planted gardens together and raked hay,” Olena says. It became loud in Markovo in April: explosions could be heard from Bakhmut and even from Severodonetsk. To escape from Russian shells, the family hid in basements. They lay on mattresses right in the middle of canning and potatoes. “The first flight happened at the end of May. We were standing near the church and looked at our cows from the pasture. Suddenly we heard a loud sound. We saw: some meter-long cylinders were flying. It became very scary, we just lay near the church. That’s how they fired at the farm, which is located meters from my mother’s house for 500. Debris scattered all over the street, under someone’s yard, and someone in a kindergarten,” Olena recalls. And then, after the explosions, water problems began in the village, and the gas was also turned off. Realizing that the danger will only increase, the family decided to move, leaving behind all their possessions for many years of hard work. They evacuated on the first of June. The Kirichenko family from Donetsk region “We understood that we were leaving forever” “It was particularly difficult to organize the removal of animals. Therefore, we sold most of our farm for pennies. Three-month-old piglets were sold for UAH 300. And after the evacuation, one-month-old piglets were bought for UAH 1,500. Large pigs and several cows were slaughtered for meat: some were sold, some were put on the stove. The remaining 18 cows were taken to a local farmer for care: we agreed that he would take care of the cattle while we moved,” says Olena Kirichenko. The family managed to take with them what fit in a small truck. This is a part of farm equipment: milking machine, separator, petrol mowers, walk-behind tractor, concrete mixer. And also necessary household appliances: someone took a refrigerator, someone a washing machine, another a sofa. Transportation cost more than 30 thousand hryvnias. They left Donetsk in a whole convoy: first a bus with most of the family members. Next is a truck with things. And behind them – parents in old Zhiguly with a trailer. “We immediately understood that we were leaving forever, we cried saying goodbye to the past. When we were leaving, explosions were heard around us. So we were in a hurry so as not to hear this horror anymore,” says Olena. After 12 hours on the road, the Kirichenkos arrived in the Poltava region, in the village of Sergiyivka. The Kirichenko family created a farm and started selling cheese “You won’t have to live on the street.” “We purposefully looked for a rural community so that the local authorities would be interested in improving people’s lives, so that there would be development,” Olena explains. So the choice stopped at Serhiyivska OTG. They called the local administration, explained that a large family wanted to evacuate, and asked if there was a house for them. And the Kirichenkos were allocated a rather large house, albeit an old one, made of wood, but covered with red brick. Near the house there is a garden and a small vegetable garden. “We are so happy that we will not have to live on the street, that we will have a roof over our heads, you can’t imagine. We were quickly connected to gas, electricity, and water. We live for free, we only pay for utilities,” says Olena. The local people welcomed the forced migrants in a friendly manner: they brought food and even everything for planting a garden. “Last year, we planted gardens twice: once in Donetsk region, and the second time in Poltava region. And here the land turned out to be so beautiful that we planted in June, and harvested the harvest together with everyone else. Our soil in Donetsk region is more clayey. And now I am very it’s a pity for our defenders, who are forced to dig trenches there – it’s very difficult on the Donbas land,” Olena shares. Farm cheeses of the Kirichenko family “The farm was built in the garden” One day, the chairman of the OTG invited the Kirichenkos to his home and asked what they did at home. And when he heard that the family kept a farm, he offered to help find opportunities to transport their cows. “It turned out that there is such a community here, where the local self-government cooperates very well with the residents. They help people find their vocation, create non-profit organizations, participate in grants. And it turns out that the community develops you, and you – the community, because you pay taxes to the local budget With such help, you have the inspiration to move mountains,” Olena rejoices. Thus, the family was allocated 65,000 for the transportation of livestock. However, due to the dishonesty of the farmer whom the Kirichenkos asked to take care of the cows, most of the livestock was lost. “We chased away 18 cattle to him, and took only 8. The rest he simply cut up for meat and sold. He returned some pennies to us. But we forgave. Because we had to focus on the positive. We should never have soured. The cows were still on the way, and the boys hurriedly made a squad,” says the woman. Later, the herd increased – the Kirichenkos bought cows from their fellow villagers from Donetsk region, who were also forced to sell off their farms. Thus, the herd grew to 15 individuals: 14 cows and bulls. And in winter, the cows calved and gave birth to 10 more girls and 2 boys. “By the way, this is a great luck: previously mostly bulls were born, but now the cows have left. How can you not believe in the help of a higher power after this?” – Olena rejoices. The family built the farm right in the garden. But this is a temporary building that can be dismantled. We still need to find a place for a permanent farm. “Our family farm is called “Markivchanka” – in memory of our native village in Donetsk region. At first, we made traditional dairy products – sour milk cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, butter. And later the range expanded, and now we also make suluguni, cachocavallo, mozzarella, cachotta , Adyghe cheese. I get great pleasure when I cook cheese, and then I see what people like. I want to try even harder, learn more about something new and give it to people,” says Olena. At first, they took their products to sell in the villages, in the markets. And then the need to drive disappeared, everything was sorted by the locals. Nowadays, many people buy goods through pages in social networks. “We make our products without chemical additives, we use only natural raw materials, that is, we take quality,” the woman shares. Now many people buy goods through pages in social networks “We won five grants” Inspired by support, the Kirichenko family is constantly looking for different opportunities for development. She opened a non-profit organization and participates in various grants, information about which is provided by the local administration. “At first, we didn’t believe that we could win. But it’s all real. There are also local charitable foundations that support local people. There are also centers that help entrepreneurs who have suffered from the war. There are networks exclusively for supporting women. Most of the grants are focused on purchasing equipment to start our business. We have already won five grants. Two went to building and equipping a cowshed. And three to equipment for a cheese factory. In addition, we received the advice of various specialists – a lawyer, an accountant, a product standardization specialist, a marketer and a targetologist,” says the resettled woman about opportunities for development. This chain of assistance to Kirichenko continues. Two immigrant women were hired. They also support a large family that moved from Donetsk region with their products. And also – they hand over cheese to the soldiers of the Armed Forces. “They respond that they distribute our curds in bags and put them in their pockets – they say it’s a great snack,” the woman adds. The Kirichenkos plan to develop and expand production, in order to further support the economy of their native Ukraine. “We want to appeal to people who are now afraid to leave the combat zone, because, they say, nobody needs us. We are needed! There is help! Our family is a vivid example that it is possible to get back on your feet even in the most difficult situation! Of course, we miss our native homes , we miss our Donetsk nature, where there are many medicinal plants, and chalk mountains, nature reserves. We will always love our native land,” says Olena. *** On the “Shelter” website, caring Ukrainians can offer housing for displaced persons by placing a corresponding ad. Therefore, IDPs can find temporary shelter in any region of Ukraine or abroad, for a few days or for a longer period. The filter system will help you easily choose the option that meets your criteria and quickly contact the owner. The site works in 40 languages. This is a completely volunteer initiative. It was launched on the first day of the full-scale invasion by People’s Deputy of Ukraine Halyna Yanchenko. Later, the “Shelter” program received state support. Homeowners who sheltered displaced persons receive compensation from the state for the payment of communal services – 900 hryvnias per person per month. Victoria Yarizhko, specially for UP. Life

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