“I arrived in Lithuania in March 2022 from Ukraine. At first, I didn’t think I’d stay long – I was waiting for the war to end. But now, in my third year in Vilnius, I’ve realized: Lithuania is my new home.”

Kateryna is one of many forced to leave their homes because of war. The beginning in Lithuania wasn’t easy – everything was unfamiliar. “I was looking for friends and support. Lithuanian women organized meetups and psychological support groups – they helped me stay strong for my daughter.”

Today, Kateryna is an entrepreneur. She opened a clothing shop offering traditional vyshyvanka and casual fashion like hoodies, dresses, and business wear.

“What helped me most were the migrant clubs – they offered legal and accounting consultations, practical workshops. But most of all – the people. Lithuanians welcomed us warmly and stood by us every step of the way.”

Kateryna’s story is a powerful reminder of how vital community, empathy, and support are in rebuilding lives.

Let’s see migrants in Lithuania through a new lens – with understanding and with a willingness to help. Become a sponsor on their integration journey: https://riseproject.lt/remejai/

📍 The RISE project is a European initiative supporting community sponsorship programs in Belgium, Italy, and Lithuania. Funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (2021–2027).