Students collect for Ukrainian regugees

Caring Forth Valley College students have swung into action to help provide essential aid to people fleeing the Ukraine war zone.

A group of five English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students, including Beata Anna Staszek, Julija Jasinka (also a NQ Social Care student) and HND Business student Natalia Witkowska, are organising donation points for staff and students to drop off items to send across to Ukrainian refugees at various Eastern European borders.

The are mainly looking to receive donations of first aid items (bandages, plasters, pain killers), flashlights, batteries, candles, canned food (including baby and pet food), warm clothing for children and adults (thermal wear), blankets, bed linen, sleeping bags/mats, female menstrual products, baby nappies, formula, prams/ buggies, and bottles and wipes.

Forth Valley Student Association (FVSA) is helping the students promote their project and is acting as a donation point where students and staff can leave any items outside the Student Association Offices on any campus, with a note that the items are for the Ukrainian refugees.

Beata Anna Staszek (46) an (ESOL) student who is originally from Poland, said: “I have been inspired by the actions taken by ordinary people and local communities. Now with the support of students at FVC and the FVSA, we are supporting actions for Ukrainian refugees. They will be organising collections of essentials and fundraising and I would like to thank them on behalf of all people who care.”

Elena Semple, FVSA student engagement coordinator, said:“While we all watched in terror the news reports last week coming from the Ukraine, our students have been quick to act and organise themselves to support the Ukrainian refugees. This amazing display of humanitarianism is exactly what the world needs now and these students are working with their communities to show much needed kindness.”