Manitoba students hit by war in homeland

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This article was published 27/03/2022 (958 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As Russia’s war on Ukraine rages on, some international students from Eastern Europe remain unable to access funds from their homelands in order to pay for tuition and living expenses.

“My parents were able to transfer money for this term right before (the war) and now they are not. I have no idea how I’ll pay for my summer term,” said Anna Shypilova, 19, who is studying science at the University of Manitoba.

A total of 37 self-identifying Ukraine nationals are currently enrolled at Manitoba’s largest university, according to the U of M Ukrainian Students’ Association.

An active member of the group, Shypilova said many of her peers have experienced monetary issues and accessed their campus food bank since Russian forces launched an attack on their country just over a month ago.

The 19-year-old said she cannot use her debit card because her account has been frozen and so, transactions immediately get cancelled when she tries to buy something.

Last week, the university’s president and vice-chancellor acknowledged student struggles in a letter sent to alumni in an effort to fundraise for the school’s student food bank and emergency bursaries.

“We are working quickly to help students from Ukraine, Russia and Eastern Europe who have told us they can no longer access funds for tuition or other expenses,” wrote Michael Benarroch, adding U of M is committed to supporting students affected by the “terrible events.”

“Some of our supports include extending fee deadlines; removing late fees or penalties; providing emergency loans, bursaries and food; providing access to expedited counselling; and offering payment extensions and flexible move-out dates to those in residence,” he wrote.

Benarroch noted the university is grateful to have many international students from affected regions who make rich contributions to the school and province at-large.

International students account for nearly 22 per cent of U of M’s overall student population. Around 115 countries are represented across its campuses.

Earlier this month, the University of Alberta, an Edmonton-based institution that is home to the Canadian Institute for Ukrainian Studies, announced it would waive up to all of the 2022-23 tuition fees for any Ukrainian students that are suffering hardship as a result of war.

Shypilova, who moved to Winnipeg from Kyiv one year ago, wants the U of M to make a similar commitment.

In addition to personal challenges with frozen accounts, the second-year student indicated many Ukrainian parents who support students learning abroad have lost their jobs in recent weeks or been temporarily unable to work. Studies should be the top priority for learners, but it is difficult to do homework when one’s family is living in a warzone, Shypilova said.

“Helpless is the word that explains exactly what I feel right now. It’s so hard to understand that your family’s there and you cannot help them. I’m trying to do my best. We are fighting against propaganda, we are fighting against fake news, we are raising money… but still, it feels like it’s not enough,” she said, adding she is in constant contact with her mother about the situation.

While many of her friends have fled Kyiv to western Ukraine, Shypilova’s family remains in the capital city in which she grew up.

Brendan Scott, president of the undergraduate students’ union, said his colleagues are organizing hampers for Ukrainian students and encouraging anyone in need to apply to the union’s hardship fund.

“There are resources for any student struggling with any difficulties, whether that’s here in Manitoba or anywhere out in the world,” Scott added.

Meantime, the president of the Manitoba chapter of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress continued calling on individuals and governments alike to offer greater assistance to the people of Ukraine over the weekend.

“Ukraine stands between Putin and the free world,” said Joanne Lewandosky, during a virtual event entitled “The Ukraine Crisis: What You Need To Know,” put on by the Manitoba Islamic Association Sunday.

“Our governments need to do more. More military and humanitarian aid. Additional sanctions on Putin and his oligarchs. A ban on Russian businesses in the West that are feeding Putin’s war machine. An immediate help for the displaced.”

The congress has also been taking down names of people who are interested in housing refugees. To date, upwards of 700 people have reached out to host families from Ukraine.

Manitoba is home to the largest number of Ukrainians per capita in Canada.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie