This is new life in Norway – VG

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When he sees Mom Zhanna, he bursts into tears of relief. Getting used to kindergarten was fine, but everything is still new. Zhanna talks to the staff about the Tykhon day, before the journey continues to the grown-up ward where she is waiting for her older brother Fedir (3).

He runs up to his mother with a bright smile and doesn’t know what to say first of all about the beautiful things they have done and played on this day.

– Mom, I didn’t cry today in kindergarten, says Fedir proudly.

He is the only one who does not speak Norwegian in kindergarten and the only one who speaks Ukrainian. Some index cards make the challenge a little less:

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Daughter Nastia (12) is also okay in kindergarten. The school day is over and she has brought home her new classmate Linnea Granerud Holmboe (12). The two speak impressive English together and have become famous at record speed, as only children can.

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A safe home

A little further down a paved road is a white brick house at the top of a small hill. Previously, elderly people lived here. Wall-to-wall rugs testify to another era of style. But the house is spacious, with views of Hokksund and ripe glass apples in the garden.

This is the new home of the Lazoryshyn family. The rent covers Nav, and what they need in terms of furniture, appliances and clothes, they can also get from Nav. If something is still missing, Zhanna knows that the Polish neighbor will always come forward.

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Her husband Denys is at a meeting in Drammen the day VG is visiting. They both have clear ambitions for what they want to achieve in Norway. The introductory course begins in September, where they will learn about Norwegian society. Then they want to go up to level B1 and B2 in Norwegian, and then they want to find a job.

Denys is considering studying hotel management, or maybe something in the fishing industry. Zhanna also aims high.

– I was the leader of a hundred people. I have a lot of experience and a good background. I don’t want to work behind HM’s cashier, she says.

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Everything for the children

Six months after the invasion, the flow of refugees from Ukraine continues. But also inside. Of the more than five million who fled, more than a million have returned, according to the United Nations.

For Zhanna and her family, this isn’t a problem now.

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– When I read the news from Ukraine, I feel that it is our homeland. But now we can’t live there. Although apparently normal in Kiev, it is not a safe place for children. The flight alarm still rings four or five times a day. I can’t stand the feeling of being afraid, she tells VG.

Wednesday marks Ukraine’s national day, but the party is canceled in his hometown Kiev for fear of attacks. However, the Lazoryshyn family can safely celebrate in front of the Oslo Storting along with other Ukrainians and supporters.

– I could have cried all day or chosen to see life in Norway as an opportunity. Maybe we’ll stay here for a year, or five years. And maybe my children here will age, concludes the 37-year-old.

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