Coventry College Uniformed Public Services Students Hear Firsthand Accounts of the Impact of War from Guest Speakers
Uniformed Public Services students at Coventry College were given a unique and powerful insight into the human cost of war during an enlightening talk by two guest speakers, Philip Brown and Olena Atamanchuk, as part of their studies on the impact of conflict.
Philip Brown, the Secretary of the United Nations Association – United Kingdom (UNA-UK) Coventry Branch – and Olena Atamanchuk, a volunteer with UNA-UK and a current Functional Skills student at Coventry College, spoke to the Level 3, Year 2, students about the far-reaching effects of war, drawing from personal experience and global perspectives.
Olena, originally from Ukraine, shared her harrowing story of being forced to flee her home in the middle of the night due to the ongoing conflict in her homeland. She spoke candidly about the emotional and physical toll of living through a war zone, detailing how she left everything behind in search of safety.
“Panic, despair and disbelief in what is happening,” Olena said. “Before leaving Dnieper, I wrote with a marker on the children’s back their name, surname, blood type, registration address, and telephone numbers of relatives, just in case something happened.”
Her personal account was particularly poignant for the students, who were studying the consequences of war on civilians. Olena went on to explain how she eventually rebuilt her life, despite the challenges. Today, she owns a small business and continues to volunteer with UNA-UK, using her experiences to educate others on the importance of supporting those affected by conflict.
The students had the opportunity to ask Olena about her journey, with several questions delving into the psychological impact of war. Topics such as PTSD, trauma, and the realities of evacuation were discussed in depth. Olena shared her own struggles with mental health in the wake of her experiences, offering the students valuable insights into the long-term effects that war can have on individuals.
“I let myself think about what I went through, and I can cry for some hours or days, but I then leave it in the past,” Olena explained. “I am thankful I am in the life I am and that my children have a future.”
Philip Brown also spoke to the students about the importance of volunteering and the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like the UNA-UK in providing humanitarian aid and supporting those affected by global conflicts. He emphasised how crucial it is for young people to get involved in causes that can make a real difference, particularly in the context of war and global peacekeeping.
The session left a lasting impact on the students, many of whom expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to hear firsthand about the effects of war from someone who had lived through it. For many, it was a sobering reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of supporting peace efforts worldwide.
Olena’s story, coupled with Philip’s insights into the role of NGOs, helped students gain a greater understanding of the personal and societal impacts of war—an experience that will undoubtedly shape their future careers in public services.
