In March 2023 I contacted the Kolesnik family who are living in my town, Accrington in the North of England. For 4 weeks we collaborated to create their story of not just their journey fleeing their war torn country but a story of them and what keeps them motivated and smiling during this time.
Each family member, Oksana (mother), Artem (son) and Serhii (father) answered three questions I posed to them (each different) so as to understand more about how they adapted, what they've experienced and who they are as documented in the above video interview and the written responses below.
The objects you see represent their motivations and happiness, there would be more if they didn't have to leave most of their belongings behind. What they have is often from supportive people in the area such as their sponsor family or from charity shops.
Russia and Ukraine have a long and complicated history. Russias full scale invasion in Ukraine is the latest and most serious war since the Second World War. There are many reasons why Russia is invading once more (resources, geographical position, history) but none can dispute the damage that has been caused to civilians and families like Oksanas, where as many as just over 8 million people are said to have been displaced out of their country.
Their city Zaporizhzhia is near the frontline of the war and has been attacked by missiles. Oksana once an English teacher now works part time in the charity 'Homes for Ukraine' (for Lancashire County Council) and more recently at Preston college as an ESOL teacher. Seigii works online for different Ukrainian companies as a freelance Software Developer and Artem attends the local high school succeeding in; maths, science and chess.
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