A Swing Toward Normalcy
A Ukrainian Girl’s Journey to Finding Peace Again
Waiting at the door with eyes filled with curiosity, 11-year-old Veronika greeted our Habitat for Humanity Hungary team as they arrived to install her brand new drop swing. For Veronika, who lives with autism, consistency and security are crucial. Having fled from Ukraine and endured the torment of war, the drop swing is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s a sanctuary where she can retreat when life becomes overwhelming.
The past two years have been incredibly challenging for Veronika and her mother, Viki. As a single mom, Viki had to make the difficult decision to flee Kyiv after the Russian bombings began. Initially, she believed the war would be temporary and stocked their apartment with essential items. However, on March 8th, it became clear they had to leave. “I looked out the window in horror, seeing people frantically packing their belongings like thousands of ants. Everyone wanted to escape,” Viki recalls. In a panic, they left Kyiv with just a suitcase and a backpack, leaving behind everything familiar to Veronika and witnessing the destruction of Hostomel airport on their way.
They initially sought refuge with Viki’s mother outside Kyiv, but soon the shelling followed. A rocket even landed in a neighbor’s yard, forcing them to hide in a basement in freezing temperatures for three days. This was far from ideal for Veronika, whose condition required stability and consistency.
Determined to find a safe and stable environment, Viki sought a long-term solution and found a suitable place in Lviv. However, bombing soon reached there as well. Panicked, she decided to head to Poland and then to Georgia, but long waits at the border led her to change plans and head to Hungary.
Their goal was Budapest, knowing the city had the resources Veronika needed. Initially, they were placed in a temporary shelter far from the city, feeling isolated and misunderstood due to the language barrier. “In the first days, I just cried. The uncertainty with a child was the most difficult thing for me. Everything was foreign: the people, the language, the environment. I didn’t know anything or anyone and couldn’t talk to anyone. I felt so alone. No one understood that my daughter had special dietary needs, nor did they let me into the kitchen. Veronika could not eat anything, and I didn’t know what to do. One night, a Ukrainian couple arrived at the shelter. I cried even louder, but this time because of happiness. We weren’t alone anymore.”
Over time, Viki began making plans again. She searched for schools and suitable housing in Budapest but faced numerous rejections due to their refugee status and Veronika’s autism. Eventually, a compassionate Russian lady helped them find an apartment, arranging everything for them. This marked a new beginning for Viki and Veronika.
“The moment we secured the apartment, I felt a huge sense of relief and safety!” Viki recalls. “This chance for a new beginning gave me the strength to keep going. I don’t want to remember the hopelessness of sitting and waiting helplessly.”
In addition to the swing, Habitat for Humanity Hungary also provided household appliances to support Veronika’s special dietary needs. Veronika has started attending school, and Viki is persistently seeking employment. She is hopeful for the future because, for so long, her goal was to find stability. Now that she has found it, she and her daughter can begin rebuilding the life they lost in Kyiv.