The story of Nataliia, a Ukrainian refugee in Berlin

Nataliia, a former lecturer for International Relations and Advertising in Kyiv, embarked on a journey to Berlin with her family amidst the outbreak of war in her homeland.

Her story is one of strength and determination as she navigated the challenges of evacuation and resettlement. Forced to leave behind cherished memories and the comforts of home, Nataliia and her son and family found solace in Berlin despite the absence of her husband, who remained in Kyiv.

“Teaching includes a lot of skills that can be applied to any job - communicative skills, adaptability skills, flexibility, acting skills, and public speaking skills. says Nataliia. Her encounter with Imagine, one of The Human Safety Net partners working on job matching and skills-building, proved to be a turning point in her journey. With their assistance, she secured not one but two jobs in the city, a testament to her resilience and determination.

From teaching Ukrainian to working as a technical analyst at a venture capital firm, Nataliia has embraced new challenges with open arms. Her ability to adapt and thrive in unfamiliar territory underscores the importance of perseverance and self-belief.

Nataliia encourages others to pursue their passions and dreams: “Don’t settle for something you don’t enjoy doing. You have the right to follow your passion and dreams. Don’t lower your plans. Nothing is impossible. If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Her journey serves as a beacon of hope in a world plagued by uncertainty; her story reminds us of the transformative potential of resilience.