The world is with Ukraine!
In general, most French people greet Ukrainian refugees wholeheartedly, despite the fact that France has had problems with migrants for a long time. Everyone helps in the way they can: some people offer their accommodations, some give out their clothes, and some support emotionally. I’ve been in France for a month now. From the very beginning of the war, there were protests in support of Ukraine in Paris. People shouted «Solidarité avec l’Ukraine» on Place de la République, and the Statue of Marianne was dressed in yellow and blue clothing. Regarding the local support, last week the mayor of Sucy-en-Brie (a town near Paris, where I am currently) organized a meeting where all Ukrainians of the town, French families that meet refugees from Ukraine, and volunteer organizations of the department were invited. In this way, the local administration decided to demonstrate that it supports Ukraine and is ready to help us with anything they can. Sucy-en-Brie gives an opportunity for Ukrainians to visit free French classes, there are donation centers with clothing and food, cards with material support are being introduced (240€/month for shopping in the town), Ukrainian kids can study at French educational institutions without any issues, and we can also go to different sports clubs free of charge. Generally the administration tries to create comfortable conditions in every possible way. They also plan to organize a week of Ukrainian culture, during which the city residents will get acquainted with Ukrainian cuisine, film industry, etc. The administration makes efforts to get a separate place to live for the Ukrainians that were accepted by French families. There are French volunteer organizations that go to Ukraine on a regular basis with humanitarian aid, in particular, those that are headed by residents of Sucy-en-Brie. Doctors and psychologists, who are ready to admit Ukrainians, are working as volunteers as well. And this is what’s done on the local level only.
Regarding the general situation in France, here’s the official aid: all Ukrainians that fled the country will be granted a status of temporary protection that guarantees them a legal stay in the country up to 6 months (this period can be extended later on, if needed), social security, access to free medical services, a monthly material support, and a possibility of employment on the territory of France. As I am informed, the situation with refugees in Paris itself is a bit complicated, because the biggest part of refugees went there. Ukrainians are urged to go to other cities since they will get help there much faster than in the capital. There are Red Cross centers in the cities, where Ukrainians are getting help after their arrival and are advised on what to do next. The local administration has decided that Ukrainians can request tickets for a free ride in public transport (you can just show your Ukrainian passport at the ticket office and get one for the whole day). As for me personally, I’m trying to organize financial support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and visit themed meetings of Ukrainians. I also informally help my husband, who works with UNICEF, to translate videos that were taken in Ukraine during the war.
In the end, I’d like to add that the French have no doubts about the aggressor. The truth is on our side! And the victory as well!
Nora Odone, third-year student of the Philological Faculty