Meet Maria Vinnichuk: 2023 Graduate, Romania (from Ukraine)

Maria can still remember when Ukrainians in the southern part of Ukraine were forced to the north as refugees. She couldn’t imagine how that must have been for them, and her heart broke for them. Then Russia showed up suddenly, forcing Maria and her family to flee to Romania. The Romanians were so warm and welcoming to her and her family, and that is something she will forever be grateful for.

She didn’t know any Romanian, but was able to get by with some English. Miraculously an opportunity opened up for her to be able to work as a kindergarten teacher, to Ukrainian refugee children. The job is only temporary, but it has given Maria hope. One of her friends told her about Eagle Online Academy and the classes offered. Maria immediately started by taking two English classes a week to improve her skills. The Eagle team is also working with her on job readiness and preparing her for future work and opportunities. It has been 5 months since being forced from her country, but Maria is hopeful for the future thanks to Eagle Online Academy.