A woman who fled war in Ukraine and came to Scotland has told how her new job allows her to help other refugees.
Mariia Khapun left her homeland and hometown, Kyiv, to escape Russian invaders. She risked her life to travel alone, through the fighting to Poland then on to Scotland, where she has now landed a job with Glasgow City Council.
The 24-year-old has since helped to compile a welcome pack for other Ukrainian refugees arriving in Scotland and uses her own personal experience of fleeing war, starting life in a new country and being separated from loved ones to make the transition as easy as possible.
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Initially, on arrival in Glasgow, Mariia was accommodated in a hotel before being taken in by a local host family and she has now found her own privately rented flat in the city, where her parents and 13-year-old brother have managed to join her. However, her dentist fiancé is still in Ukraine, which is a constant worry.
She said: "I managed to get my younger brother and parents out of Ukraine three months after I got out, but my fiancé is still there and it is really hard being separated from him for a long time and knowing he is in danger.
"It's not just the shelling, people are suffering because the infrastructure has been destroyed. Often there is no water and the power keeps going off - obviously now it's winter time too.
"This winter will be especially hard - we all pray for the war to end soon."
Since arriving in Scotland, Mariia has been proactively looking for work and trying to find a flat, as her independence is important to her. She initially secured a temporary six month contract with Glasgow City Council and has now earned a permanent position as a marketing officer.
In Ukraine, she was director of a firm that rented out marquees for events and exhibitions and she has a Master's degree in International Economic Relations and English Translation.
She said: "I couldn't work in Ukraine anymore, because almost all the businesses had to shut down or almost stop work. Places I grew up in had been destroyed and there was a lot of devastation. I knew I had to try to get out to safety and earn some money to support my family.
"At first, I was worried about starting a new job at Glasgow City Council, because I didn't know anyone and was anxious about fitting in, but people have been very kind and supportive. They have made me feel comfortable and part of the team. I'm grateful for the opportunity."
Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Glasgow's Convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, congratulated Mariia on joining the council's workforce.
He said: "I'm delighted that Mariia has successfully secured a job at the council after escaping the war in Ukraine. Obviously, what is happening in her homeland is horrendous, but it is great to hear that she is enjoying her new role and settling into Glasgow well. I hope she will come to consider Glasgow as a second home."
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