What is volunteer movement? It is something significant in the present world, something that gives hope for a bright future, that kindness still has a place on  this planet. And who is a volunteer? I think, the kindest and most sincere people that I know. These are the same superheroes from Marvel Comics who are ready to sacrifice everything for peace, safety,  well-being. These are people who are not interested in your money, and their hearts are always open to others.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the volunteer movement began to gain even greater momentum not only in my homeland, but also around the world. Thousands of people with kind souls and loving hearts began to provide humanitarian aid to the victims of war, as well as to open funds, non-profit organization and schools.

So, what am I talking about?

Recently, the Hromada team and I heard a great story about wonderful ladies from America helped 10 Ukrainians students to move to the United States, namely to Pacific Union College in Agwing, CA. So, we wanted to know more information about it and decided to interview Jennifer Klingbeil, the founder of  PUC:Ukraine Mission Project, and Maria Haug, her colleague and friend.

Well, what did we manage to find out? 

Jennifer Klingbeil was born in the U.S. in California, her mother is a Ukrainian who has been helping the Ukrainian people through her life. She was a founder of many school and churches both in America and Ukraine. Therefore, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of my country, Jennifer realized that could not stand aside. At first, she donated fund to help Ukrainians, but later understood that it was not enough and a few months later since 24.02.2022 decided to found a wonderful  project called “PUC:Mission Ukraine Project”.

Maria Haug was also born in California, USA. At one time she worked as a military translator from German, French, and Russian. In 1993, she had an opportunity to visit Kyiv, only for one day, but  according to the words of Maria, she remembered it for the rest of her life. Since the first days of the war in Ukraine, she has been helping Ukrainians:  she has been booking a room in Romny, Sumy region, through Airbnb for the 6th month, and since the end of April she has been actively studying Ukrainian with a Ukrainian teacher from Lviv through Preply — these are two ways Americans can send money directly to Ukrainians. Maria Haug met Jennifer through her daughter and learned about this project at the same time. Without hesitation, she decided that she had to involved and help Ukrainians.

"PUC: Ukrainian Mission Project", the idea of this project is to lend a helping hand to Ukrainian youth who were temporarily displaced due to the war. It directly cooperates with PUC, Pacific Union College, which means that 50% of the education cost is covered by the college and the other 50% is covered by donations.

And recently Maria and Jennifer were able to help 10 Ukrainian students aged 18 to 24 to move to the United States to study. Yes, this move takes quite a long time. It takes about 3 months to complete the paperwork and the flight, of course, all this work is taken care of by PUC and is completely free of charge. All students will live in Napa Valley, in a dormitory from the college, they will be given 3 meals a day, books and everything they need. In addition, all who need it will be provided with assistance in learning English, in order to eliminate further problems that may arise on this basis. And in the future, each of them will have an English exam. The whole process of studying at the college will be about 4 years, depending on the profession and after, students will be able to do an internship and then enter the master's program.

Currently, two students have arrived in California and their studies will begin in a week, two more will arrive in a few weeks and the rest - in January. The most popular faculties among our youth are: visual design, faculty of foreign languages and IT. 

In total, about 17 Ukrainian students have already been assisted and in the future they will help as many as possible, as Jennifer notes.

Therefore, it does not matter how far people are from each other. If you have a open heart and a great wish - everything is possible! Together to victory!