“Suddenly, I couldn’t go to work safely. Air raid sirens replaced school bells.”
Hello! My name is Oksana, and I’m from Ukraine. That’s me on the left in the picture at the top of the page.
Before the war, I worked as a teaching assistant in a school, supporting a young boy with disabilities.
For two years before that, I was a day group teacher – playing, teaching, and helping children grow. I loved my work.
The children used to tell me they loved spending time with me. I felt like I belonged.
But when the war began, everything changed.
Suddenly, I couldn’t go to work safely. Air raid sirens replaced school bells.
I lived in fear – not just for myself, but for my daughter. At the same time, I was going through a painful divorce.
I felt alone, confused, and ashamed for leaving my home when so many others stayed behind.
But I had to think about my daughter’s future.
Bristol jobs fair
Gave me strength
Leaving Ukraine broke my heart. I felt like I was abandoning my people, my home – I felt ashamed.
But I had to choose hope for my daughter.
We arrived in the UK in June, 2022. People smiled at us – but inside, I was breaking.
I missed my friends. I cried every day! I even bought tickets to go back!
But at the last moment, I stayed – and now I know: it was the best decision I ever made.
My daughter started school. She struggled at first, but now she speaks English fluently.
She’s thriving, and that gave me strength to try too.
No longer feel alone
I met Kash at Seetec, and everything changed. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
She helped me with my DBS check, CV, courses and interviews, but most of all, she reminded me that I matter.
Now, I volunteer in a school. I’m learning, growing, and dreaming again.
I no longer feel afraid to speak. I no longer feel alone.
Thanks to the support I’ve received, I now know:
✨ I am not alone.
✨ I am strong.
✨ I can still be useful – both here in the UK and, one day, back home too.
This Refugee Week, I want to say thank you – to everyone who supports people like me.
Because when you give someone a chance, you don’t just help them survive – you help them live again!
Are you new to the UK and finding it challenging to get a job? Ask your Jobcentre Plus work coach about the Restart Scheme at Seetec.
How lived experiences shapes our support at Seetec
Refugee Week 2025 is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience and contributions of people seeking safety.
Discover how one of our own Seetec colleagues brings lived experience of forced migration to her role as an Assistant Employment Adviser.
Supporting Language Skills: ESOL at Seetec
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
This programme is aimed at people who’ve been a UK resident for a minimum of three years, or are an asylum seeker/refugee with right to remain for a minimum of six-months in the UK, or are part of the Ukraine scheme,
On this programme, participants will learn to speak, read, listen and respond effectively in personal and professional situations.
For many of our customers, especially those seeking refuge, improving spoken English is key to building confidence and accessing employment opportunities. That’s why Seetec offers tailored ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) support as part of our wider services.
Discover how we help customers strengthen their English language skills and unlock new possibilities in work and life, by watching the video below.
