Portugal Hosts Ukrainian Families for Healing and Normalcy

Portugal has embarked on a humanitarian initiative, welcoming Ukrainian mothers, children, and relatives of soldiers who have died or are missing. The program aims to provide these families a respite from the ongoing conflict, offering them three weeks of peace and normalcy.

On March 2, 2024, a group of 15 Ukrainian mothers and 18 children arrived at Lisbon airport in the afternoon, carrying their luggage and hopes for a more tranquil experience. This initiative is organized by the support organization HelpUA.PT – Ukrainian Refugees UAPT, as part of the European Programme for Psychological and Cultural Support for Families at War.

The program focuses on providing intensive psychological rehabilitation, cultural integration, and personal training, all overseen by both Portuguese and Ukrainian professionals. The journey for this group began in the Chernihivska region of northern Ukraine, an area heavily impacted by the conflict. After traveling overland to Poland, they took a flight from Warsaw to Lisbon.

According to Ángelo Neto, Vice President of HelpUA.PT, the overland trip was challenging, taking approximately 20 hours by bus. “We only made it to the border because the Ukrainian military police escorted the bus and cleared the roads that were closed,” he explained.

Upon arrival in Portugal, the families will engage in various activities aimed at rehabilitation and cultural integration. Rita Júdice, Portugal’s Minister of Justice, emphasized the importance of providing these children with an experience of normality, stating, “Many of them, between the ages of six and fourteen, have no memory other than that of war.”

The initiative has been described as “remarkable” by government officials, highlighting Portugal’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst the ongoing crisis. Júdice pointed out that this effort embodies values beyond the judicial system, stating, “Justice is also lived out in the defence of human rights, in the protection of the most vulnerable.”

Families from the war-torn regions were meticulously selected by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. Teresa Leal Coelho, ambassador of the association responsible for the initiative, noted the resilience of these families despite the dire circumstances. “Bravery runs in their blood. It’s amazing how resilient they are,” she remarked, explaining that many of these families wish to maintain ties to their hometowns, even under the threat of conflict.

The children and mothers will be accommodated at the Fénix Centre in Ourém, which has previously hosted combatants and war-wounded individuals for rehabilitation. After three weeks, the families will return to their homes, as they have expressed a desire to be reunited with their loved ones. Coelho noted that past initiatives have reflected a strong preference among families to return home despite the ongoing dangers.

Neto highlighted the significance of this project, noting the vast number of mothers facing vulnerable situations in Ukraine. “We’re talking about almost a million mothers in vulnerable situations in Ukraine,” he said. He expressed hope that Portugal could eventually host even more families, building on the success of similar programs initiated in other countries.

As the project unfolds, its impact on the mental and emotional well-being of these Ukrainian families remains to be seen. The initiative exemplifies the solidarity and support extended toward those affected by the consequences of war, aiming to provide a brief yet meaningful respite from their daily struggles.