Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Latvia has welcomed many unaccompanied children, including 14-year-old Sofia from Vinnytsia, who has been living there since 2023.
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Latvia has seen an influx of unaccompanied children seeking refuge, notably including 14-year-old Sofia Voshkolupa from Vinnytsia. After her mother passed away, Sofia arrived in Latvia in January 2023, leaving her father behind in Ukraine. Initially expected to stay for just two months, her situation has now extended to three years as she continues to adjust to life in a new country with her distant relative in JΕ«rmala.
The transition into Latvian society has not been easy for Sofia. One of her biggest challenges upon arrival was the language barrier and adapting to a new school environment. At just 11 years old, the fear of being in a foreign country and not speaking the language was daunting, as she recalls feeling frightened and uncertain when she first started school. Today, Sofia is in the 8th grade at a local school while simultaneously keeping up with her 9th grade studies remotely from her Ukrainian school.
Despite these challenges, Sofia has found ways to integrate and express herself, participating in dance and competitions during her free time. Her story reflects not only the resilience of children affected by war but also the need for ongoing support and resources for unaccompanied minors in host countries like Latvia, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment for these vulnerable individuals.
