From classroom to conflict zone: HE student volunteers at Ukrainian border

: Created: 13 April 2022

After embarking on a challenging 30-hour journey from London, Adriano eventually arrived at the refugee camp in Zosin, Poland, on 16 March along with other convoys of British families also doing the same thing.

Whilst at the camp, Adriano went on to provide practical support by driving people to nearby villages and helping out in the kitchen, where he found himself helping to prepare as many as 2,000 sandwiches per day and peeling dozens of potatoes for soup. During his time at the camp Adriano met volunteers from all over Europe - most of whom, like him, were also university students.

Adriano says:

“As you know, the situation at the border is heart-breaking. People don’t stop arriving. Elderly women on wheelchairs, women and children. Some looked very tired and terrified as they walked many miles to cross the border. However, we were able to offer them some comfort before continuing their journey into Poland and other countries.”

“On the Friday evening we received a teenager and her mother. She was devastated that she left her older brother and father fighting in Ukraine. She had with her a small suitcase and her violin. Later that evening, she played a beautiful but very sad song for us. It was a very special moment that I will remember forever.”

“I’m back in London now. Unfortunately, I developed a cough and lost my voice due to exposure to the cold at the camp. I will never complain about the cold in London again!”

On completion of his foundation degree, Adriano hopes to progress onto the BA Hons Social Care degree programme with our partner, Canterbury Christchurch University. We couldn’t think of a more fitting career path for such a selfless individual and we wish Adriano the best of luck in his future endeavours.

Whilst in Poland Adriano worked with Polish Humanitarian Action who are doing some amazing work with refugees. Here at London South East Colleges our Good for ME Good for FE campaign is also generating funds for the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal. To make a donation please visit our Just Giving page here.