WAWOTA - It has been a year and a half since Wawota welcomed the first of many Ukrainian individuals and families displaced by the War in Ukraine.
Mayor Kevin Kay spoke of the numerous successes that the relocated people and the community and area have experienced since their arrival. Kay beamed that the entire community has rallied around the newcomers and welcomed them into the world of small-town life.
Fifty-eight individuals, including 12 families, have come to stay so far. The overwhelming support of Wawota and area has seen numerous monetary and other donations flooding in to support the effort to welcome and provide for the displaced. These generous offerings help the individuals, young and old, to find security, safety and a place to call home.
Most came with nothing from their previous lives. They had to escape the war with merely their lives. The funds and donations proved invaluable to many.
Kay proudly added that the very first to arrive, while travelling to Wawota, sent a message home to Ukraine. He had spent a couple of days securing documents and required forms.
During the drive to Wawota he happily sent messages home to Ukraine to say that everything was as promised and there was nothing to fear. Family and friends continue to come to enjoy the community. He had found life to be exactly as had been described and more. His messages marked the trail for them to come.
The reality of the war has had a lasting effect on many. Traumas and anxiety are dealt with through the help of counselling and care available for those who want it. Many use an app from home in Ukraine to warn of missile attacks.
They keep this so that they can track the possible threat to their family and friends still there. They can check on their wellbeing in real time, according to the locations targeted.
All the relocated that required work have found jobs in the Wawota area, with the exception of a few stay-at-home mothers. They chose to remain at home with their small children. The biggest challenge for the employed is getting their credentials recognized in Saskatchewan.
Language is particularly important to this matter and the Southeast College is running English classes for all who are interested on Friday evenings. Another challenge had been for university students to be recognized as domestic students versus international. The difference in tuition is enormous.
The Government of Saskatchewan declared them as domestic or local students in the spring. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commended them while on his trip to Ukraine in June this year.
The community members encourage the relocated people to start the process of permanent residency. There are many available to assist with the process to navigate the red tape and forms. Language can still be an issue at times, but there seems to always be a bilingual interpreter at arm's length whenever necessary.
Such concepts as government levels and distribution of responsibility locally and beyond are foreign to them and the college and community offer a wealth of knowledge that will prove effective at the time of elections and byelections.
The newcomers are actively involved in their new lives and community. A new chess club has been founded, some have become volunteer firefighters, and others volunteer throughout the community. The students are involved in hockey, soccer, figure skating and badminton.
The school system has made accommodations to secure their educational success and future. The relocated families and individuals are excited and grateful to be here and to enjoy the warmth of the welcome that they receive.
