” To play ! Without hesitation, the children’s response to the question of what they want to do is spontaneous and straightforward.
Far from the divisions that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict can cause, these young people (between 5 and 13 years old) have been meeting regularly in Chartres since March. Sometimes, during the French lessons given by Élizabeth Janssen, Frenchwoman of Russian origin, retired guide interpreter. Twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, she gives lessons, mainly for adults. “They especially need to improve pronunciation,” she says. “It also allows them to integrate more easily in order to become more independent,” underlines Irina Ségur, president of the Russian-speaking association in Eure-et-Loir.
In addition to the lessons given for adults, in particular by Greta, and those for children on Wednesday afternoons, or meetings in schools, the children form a certain friendship. “They prefer to play rather than hide from bombs”, indicates the president of the association since 2014. This is the case of Henry, 8, who, before the conflict, lived in Odessa, one of the Ukrainian ports coveted by the Russians. “At first, my mother didn’t want to tell me there was a war. She wanted to protect me. Then I was shocked when we had to hide during the first bombardments. I am against the war,” says the child while continuing to play with Irina’s kittens. He speaks in his mother tongue, it is Matvey, also 8 years old, who provides the translation. The latter was born in France to Ukrainian parents.
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Being in France: a reassuring feeling
Also born in Ukraine, but having mainly lived in Russia, Irina Ségu contributed to the organization of these French courses, in particular through the network of the Chartrain municipal council.
Henry’s mother feels reassured here: “You can meet French people, Russians and Ukrainians from different cities. We feel safe, but we cannot forget what is happening in our country, ”she describes in English. Warmly welcomed with lunch and games, families, adults and children alike, can take advantage of this haven of peace offered by Irina from time to time in the heart of Chartres.
Ukrainians have been settled in Saumeray since March
Between games and caresses with cats, Henry also evokes his arrival in France. “When I arrived, I was a little scared. Then we started to get used to it. He admits that he “plays around trying not to think about the war.” I don’t understand why this happens. Looking back, he admits: “It’s rare to make new friends. I like French lessons but I have trouble understanding everything. Fortunately, Matvey remains present to translate. What he likes the most: “The many French dishes. »
Joined by Arsène, 13, of Russian-Ukrainian origin, Romane, 12, Démiane, 9, the children seem at home here at Irina’s. These last two children born in Belarus do not “want war to come to them”. As they play, Irina explains in the presence of other gathered adults: “They are the symbol of peace, it doesn’t matter if they are Russians or Ukrainians, they play together. »
Moving away from his board game, Matvey says he is “worried about his grandmother who remained in the Donbass” in conflict with Russia since 2014.
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War, a subject that children do not understand, which worries them, they who, despite their nationalities, unite to play in peace.
Thomas Desprez
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