How can Western Sydney University help Ukrainian refugees?
Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, His Excellency Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko addressing the forum
The following article, authored by journalism students Zuhal Sharifee and Edith Yankuba from Western Sydney University’s School of Humanities and Communication Arts, is part of a ‘student spotlight’.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, His Excellency Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko said he believes we can make a change, when he spoke to an audience of students and academics.
A Q&A forum at Western Sydney University heard the University proclaim its solidarity with the people of Ukraine on 1 September.
Western Sydney University Chancellor, Professor Peter Shergold AC, declared the University condemns the attack against Ukraine by Russia and affirms the right of the people of Ukraine, the right to freedom, the right to self-determination, the right to education and the right to peace.
Ambassador Myroshnychenko was invited to Western Sydney University's Parramatta City campus to talk about the attack against Ukraine by Russia.
“I want to discuss our challenges and how they can play out. I will also talk about what Australia can do to help Ukraine, what you can do as students to help Ukraine. I think everybody can contribute,” said Ambassador Myroshnychenko.
More than 3,200 Ukrainians have fled their country and migrated to Australia. And amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, many Australians including the staff and students from Western Sydney University, are searching for ways to offer help to Ukrainians.
So how can students help beyond support on social media?
“You can teach them English,” said Ambassador Myroshnychenko. “Many people who migrate from Ukraine to Australia, like mothers with kids, often don’t speak the language, and the fastest way to learn the language is to interact with the locals and native speakers.”
“Perhaps, students can create a speaking club and welcome fellow Ukrainian women. It would be beneficial for them since it takes time for them to adjust and adapt.”
He also urged younger generations to continue raising awareness on social media. “You shouldn’t underestimate the power of social media, as you know, the power of Tik-Tok and Instagram. There is so much that can be done to engage with young audiences,” Ambassador Myroshnychenko said.
A student from Western Sydney University asks the Ambassador a question during the Q&A
Speaking in a passionate tone, he told the audience Ukraine is one of the biggest producers of food in the world, but we can’t get it to the market.
The war in Ukraine has meant the export of grain for humanitarian aid is held back at ports by Russia, impacting the rest of the world.
“Ukraine is the number one producer of sunflower oil, one of the key ingredients in baby food, for this reason baby food prices have surged globally. African kids are dying because they don’t have access to baby food.”
Although Australians are willing to help, that narrative differs in some parts of the world.
According to Ambassador Myroshnychenko, in places like Africa, Latin America, and Asia, people are indecisive or neutral because ‘Russians are good at manipulating opinions’.
Ambassador Myroshnychenko ended the meeting on a positive note stating, ‘all Ukrainians believe they will win the war; the spirits are high, and people are united’.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, His Excellency Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko with journalism students Zuhal Sharifee and Edith Yankuba
ENDS
15 September 2022
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
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