Ukrainians in Japan: Gaining Skills for Rebuilding Their Homeland

Ukrainian refugees in Japan are participating in programs to learn skills for rebuilding their homeland, driven by the support of over 40 Japanese language schools. Through the JSUS initiative, individuals like Anhelina Moroz are gaining invaluable knowledge in infrastructure maintenance and disaster resilience. Despite safety concerns preventing immediate returns home, many Ukrainians aim to contribute to their homeland’s recovery after the conflict.

Ukrainians are gaining skills in Japan to aid their homeland’s reconstruction. The initiative involves over 40 Japanese language schools supporting displaced Ukrainians, particularly through programs that educate participants about disaster resilience. Anhelina Moroz, a 24-year-old Ukrainian, expressed her emotional response to Japan’s past earthquake recovery efforts, noting the relevance of these lessons for Ukraine’s future rebuilding.

Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the Japanese Supports for Ukrainian Students (JSUS) has welcomed over 100 refugees, providing free Japanese education and assistance. This includes a recent effort to train a team of 10 Ukrainians, including Moroz, to equip them with valuable skills for rebuilding efforts. Moroz studies at the Seifu Institute of Information Technology and works for Inte Co., gaining practical experience in maintaining power lines.

Inte Co.’s President Yoshitsugu Ienaga aims to support Ukrainians like Moroz by sharing knowledge about Japan’s infrastructure maintenance. Despite his admiration for her abilities, he encourages her to eventually return to Ukraine for the benefit of her own nation.

The ongoing conflict has displaced about 6.9 million Ukrainians, complicating their return home. A recent Japan Foundation survey revealed most Ukrainians in Japan wish to remain for an extended time due to safety concerns and job opportunities. The hope among them is to find stability until the situation in Ukraine improves.

Although Moroz dreams of returning, she anticipates a lengthy wait due to persistent threats in her hometown from ongoing conflict. Many in the original group of Ukrainian refugees to Japan have secured jobs, primarily in service industries, while some are pursuing higher education.

Mariia Bondarenko, another Ukrainian participant, emphasizes the importance of job security and the challenges of returning home. She believes that the experiences gained in Japan will significantly benefit Ukraine in its recovery efforts, echoing the resilience seen in post-war Japan, which achieved economic prosperity through hard work and unity.

The initiative by Japanese language schools to support Ukrainian refugees aims to prepare them with skills for future rebuilding efforts in Ukraine. The emotional and practical learning experiences offered in Japan equip participants not only for their immediate needs but also for long-term contributions to their homeland. The desire of many Ukrainians to establish roots in Japan reflects both ongoing safety concerns and aspirations for lasting stability, while underscoring the potential impact of their experiences abroad on Ukraine’s recovery.

Original Source: www.asahi.com