Ukrainians in Iceland: Olga Khodos', Yaroslav Pavlyuk's and Konstantin Stroginov's Volunteer Work

Ever since Russia’s invasion this past February, Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war have made the long and hard trip to Iceland. Among those dedicated to aiding them upon their arrival are three people; Olga Khodos, Yaroslav Pavlyuk and Konstantin Stroginov. In collaboration with the organization Flóttafólk, they provide their time, energy and resources to ensure the welcome and integration of Ukrainians in Iceland by offering them psychological aid.

The Student Paper paid the trio a visit in Neskirkja, where their busy work became immediately clear as the church’s community center filled with people, many of whom having arrived to speak with Olga, a psycho-analyst, or Yaroslav, a psychologist, or simply to have a coffee and a chat. Yaroslav took the time to sit down and provide information about their operation.

“It all started 10 months ago, basically, when the war broke out. Ukrainian people were arriving here in Iceland and Olga and I saw the need for providing immediate psychological assistance. As Olga is a psycho-analyst and I’m a psychologist, we started working together and we’ve been doing this ever since. It feels like one long workday, because we never stop.”

Aside from offering psychological services, the operation also involves donation of clothes and toys, as well as vital information for refugees arriving in Iceland.

“Many Ukrainians arrive and immediately start volunteering with us, and we try to help people who’ve just arrived by telling them how Iceland works - how to get a Klapp card and take the bus, the process of getting a social security number, information like that. We also provide a place where people can meet and partake in activities like knitting and art therapy, because it can help to simply meet other people and keep busy.”

Yaroslav says that many Ukrainains who arrive in Iceland want to start working right away, as well as learning the language so that they can work in fields related to their education.

“People are very motivated to learn English and Icelandic. Some people are waiting out the war because they want to go back home, while others have lost their home and are motivated to stay. A lot of people have found jobs already and really want to learn the language. We have an Icelandic woman, Sólborg, who volunteers with us. She tries to come once a week to Áskirkja and teach Icelandic. People love the classes and it’s amazing to watch how she can teach people Icelandic, in Icelandic! But of course, it’s a lot of work for one person.”

Yaroslav and Olga intend to stay in Iceland, to provide psychological help to Ukrainians in their native language while the need for their services is present. Yaroslav plans to base his Master’s thesis on his work here in Iceland, while Olga wants to go back to Ukraine after the war and research those who fought in the war.

Asked about how the students of HÍ can be of assistance, Yaroslav says that clothes and other things are always welcome, because refugees often arrive with little to nothing, and any donations can help people get settled.

Those who want to support Olga, Yaroslav’s and Konstantin’s volunteer work can donate money via their website psyhelp.is, or donate to Flóttafólk. Clothes and toys can be donated by visiting Neskirkja on Mondays and Thursdays from 18:00-20:00.

The Student Paper is currently looking for volunteers interested in teaching Icelandic and/or English. Inquiries are to be sent to studentabladid@hi.is.