In this episode of "Make It Possible: Ukraine Volunteer Heroes Stories," host Kat interviews Hugo, a Brazilian volunteer dedicated to helping children affected by the war in Ukraine. Hugo shares his motivations for volunteering, his initial fears, and the deep bonds he has formed with the children. He recounts his experiences during summer camps and a memorable winter ski trip, highlighting the resilience of the Ukrainian people. The episode underscores the importance of volunteering and international support, aiming to inspire others to contribute to a brighter future for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.

• Hugo's motivations for volunteering in Ukraine
• Initial fears and experiences upon arriving in Ukraine
• Building connections with children affected by the war
• Activities and programs organized for children in shelters
• Return visits and the impact of continuity in relationships
• Observations on the resilience of the Ukrainian people
• The importance of community support during adversity
• Optimism for Ukraine's future post-conflict
• The significance of researching volunteer opportunities

Timestamps

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)

Kat introduces Hugo, a dedicated volunteer from Brazil, and sets the stage for their conversation.

Hugo's Journey to Ukraine (00:01:36)

Hugo shares his initial connection to Ukraine and his motivations for volunteering.

Concerns About Safety (00:04:12)

Discussion about Hugo's fears regarding safety upon arriving in Ukraine.

Creating Bonds with Children (00:07:12)

Hugo reflects on his experiences building relationships with children during his volunteer work.

Winter Ski Trip Experience (00:08:34)

Hugo describes the successful ski trip he organized for children during his winter visit.

Observations on Ukrainian Resilience (00:10:37)

Hugo comments on the bravery and perseverance of the Ukrainian people amidst the conflict.

Value of Volunteering in Ukraine (00:12:26)

Discussion on the importance of researching volunteer opportunities before coming to Ukraine.

Hope for a Brighter Future (00:14:56)

Kat expresses gratitude for Hugo's commitment to volunteering and the hope it brings to Ukrainian children.

🖥️Make It Possible Ukraine Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3sxVjVPpzalvk5qjXQ8RoxmtkNI1adk_

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-possible-ukraine-volunteer-heroes-stories/id1761235557

🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fWbn4pGuQC0ikAoD8lfCy

Website https://makeitpossibleua.org

Donate Paypal https://www.paypal.me/makeitpossibleua

In this episode of "Make It Possible: Ukraine Volunteer Heroes Stories," the Kat interviews Daan, a dedicated volunteer from the Netherlands. Daan shares his journey of learning Ukrainian and his experiences volunteering in Ukraine, focusing on teaching and engaging with children. He discusses the challenges he faced, the personal growth he experienced, and the meaningful connections he formed. Daan emphasizes the importance of having a personal connection to Ukraine and encourages others to volunteer. The episode highlights the transformative power of volunteering and its impact on both the volunteers and the communities they serve.

* Importance of volunteering in Ukraine during challenging times

* Dan's background and motivations for volunteering

* Learning the Ukrainian language and its impact on volunteering

* Initial experiences and challenges faced when starting to volunteer

* Personal growth and transformation through volunteering

* The ripple effect of volunteering on communities

* Encouragement for prospective volunteers to find their "why"

* The significance of personal connections to the cause

* Mutual benefits of volunteering for both the volunteer and the community

* Call to action for listeners to consider volunteering and support initiatives in Ukraine

Timestamps

Connection to Ukraine (00:01:53)

Learning Ukrainian Language (00:03:09)

Dan explains how learning Ukrainian helped him find purpose during a challenging time. 00:04:10)

Dan recounts his first interaction with Ukrainians at a market, marking the start of his volunteering journey. Impact of Volunteering (00:05:18)

Personal Growth Through Volunteering (00:06:11)

Dan shares how learning Ukrainian and volunteering changed his life for the better.

Encouragement to Potential Volunteers (00:07:26)

Dan encourages others to take the first step towards volunteering for personal fulfillment (00:09:12)

Dan expresses his commitment to staying in Ukraine longer to continue his work. Advice for Prospective Volunteers (00:10:29)

Dan emphasizes the importance of having a personal connection to Ukraine for effective volunteering. Impact of Volunteer Support (00:12:19)

🖥️Make It Possible Ukraine Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3sxVjVPpzalvk5qjXQ8RoxmtkNI1adk_

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-possible-ukraine-volunteer-heroes-stories/id1761235557

🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fWbn4pGuQC0ikAoD8lfCy

Website https://makeitpossibleua.org

Donate Paypal https://www.paypal.me/makeitpossibleua

In this episode of "Make It Possible: Ukraine Volunteer Heroes Stories," Kat introduces Chris, a middle school teacher from Sacramento, California. Chris shares his journey of volunteering in Ukraine, driven by his connection to Ukrainian students he taught in the U.S. He discusses his experiences in Lviv, working with children affected by the war, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Chris emphasizes the importance of international support and encourages listeners to consider volunteering. The episode aims to inspire and raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the critical role of volunteers.

• Chris's background as a middle school teacher and his motivations for volunteering in Ukraine.
• His transformative experience teaching Ukrainian students in the U.S. and its impact on his decision to volunteer.
• Current volunteering experience in Lviv, Ukraine, during a summer program.
• Initial apprehensions about safety and the realities of volunteering in a war-affected area.
• The resilience and determination of Ukrainian children he works with.
• Challenges faced while teaching in a foreign country, including language barriers.
• Reflections on the broader context of the war in Ukraine and its historical significance.
• The importance of international support and solidarity for Ukraine.
• Encouragement for listeners to consider volunteering and supporting Ukraine.
• The impact of individual efforts in fostering hope and resilience among Ukrainian communities.

Timestamps

Chris's Background and Connection (00:01:40) Chris shares his experience teaching Ukrainian students in the U.S. and his motivation to volunteer.

Overcoming Fear of Volunteering (00:03:15) Chris discusses initial fears about coming to Ukraine and his decision to volunteer despite them.

Safety in Lviv (00:04:30) Chris reflects on his feelings of safety in Lviv amidst the ongoing war.

Volunteering Experience Overview (00:05:21) Chris describes his positive experience volunteering and working with resilient children.

Challenges Faced as a Volunteer (00:06:55) Chris mentions minor difficulties, including language barriers and travel logistics.

Thoughts on the War in Ukraine (00:08:25) Chris expresses his views on the war, emphasizing the importance of self-determination.

Impact of U.S. Support for Ukraine (00:09:36) Chris discusses the significance of continued U.S. support for Ukraine's fight for democracy.

Encouragement for Potential Volunteers (00:11:01) Chris encourages listeners to volunteer in Ukraine, highlighting the positive impact of their presence.

🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3sxVjVPpzalvk5qjXQ8RoxmtkNI1adk_

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-possible-ukraine-volunteer-heroes-stories/id1761235557

🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fWbn4pGuQC0ikAoD8lfCy

Website https://makeitpossibleua.org

Donate Paypal https://www.paypal.me/makeitpossibleua