"Because of my help, they are one step closer to comfort, safety or family"

When the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association joined the humanitarian response, Krzysztof, a 23-year-old Scout leader and cybersecurity student, took on a central role at the UNICEF Blue Dot in Warsaw—a key support hub for families fleeing Ukraine.

Krzysztof joined the Blue Dot team in December 2022 as a Shift Coordinator. Initially part-time, his role soon expanded into a full-time commitment. The Blue Dot, located at a bus station, served as one of the first stops for refugees entering Warsaw. Many arrived directly from Ukraine or were redirected from nearby train stations. “It was extremely busy. We were receiving around 2,000 inquiries each day.”

Refugees sought help with: Legal documents, pet registration, health services, shelter and transport and emotional support. “Sadly, we dealt with many cases of theft being reported by the refugees who had belongings or money stolen. Who would do such a terrible thing to families who are already in this difficult situation?”

Krzysztof and his team stepped in, whether it meant contacting police, navigating bureaucracy, or providing translation and advocacy. “The biggest reward is that I was able to immediately see the change and the relief in people’s faces when their problems were solved.”

As a coordinator, Krzysztof managed volunteers, solved logistical problems, and maintained technical systems and equipment. “Solutions needed to be quick and efficient. I learned crisis management on the ground—how to solve problems under pressure and lead a team of people, many of whom were older than me.”

The team was diverse, including: Polish Scouts, a psychologist, a child protection specialist and Ukrainian refugee staff who brought essential language and cultural insights

A Safe space for children

The Blue Dot also featured a Child Friendly Space, where children could play, draw, participate in guided activities and simply be children again. “Lots of children came to play. They loved it. And it helped them feel safe in a very uncertain moment.”

Personal Growth and Purpose

Krzysztof’s time at the Blue Dot left a lasting impression: “I got to learn Ukrainian! The languages are a bit similar, but daily interaction really helped.”