Kramatorsk Volunteer Nadiya Kalinchenkova Honored with Prestigious Award of Memory of Nations
Nadiya Kalinchenkova, a dedicated volunteer from Kramatorsk, has received the prestigious “Award of Memory of Nations.” This recognition honors individuals whose lives exemplify honor, freedom, and human dignity. The award ceremony took place at the National Theater in Prague.
A Journey of Service
After Kramatorsk was liberated from Russian occupation in 2014, Nadiya’s commitment to helping others began. She provided assistance to displaced individuals fleeing from occupied areas. Shortly thereafter, she joined a group of volunteers supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Contributions to the Military
At the volunteer center in Kramatorsk, Nadiya Kalinchenkova and her team focused on various tasks:
- Creating camouflage nets and kikimori for soldiers
- Preparing treats for military personnel
- Knitting socks and sewing medical garments for hospitals
With the onset of full-scale war, the center operated seven days a week to meet increasing military demands. The number of orders for camouflage nets surged, leading to months of tireless work by the volunteers.
Relocation and Ongoing Efforts
As the conflict escalated and the front line neared Kramatorsk, Nadiya relocated to Poltava to continue her volunteer efforts. Her unwavering dedication to her cause remains evident despite the challenges.
Acknowledging Contributions through the Award
The Memory of Nations Award is an initiative by the Czech non-governmental organization Post Bellum, in collaboration with media outlets across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Ukraine. It celebrates participants in the oral history project, which documents eyewitness accounts of pivotal historical moments.
This year marks the fourth time Ukrainians have been honored with this award. Previous recipients include:
- 2022: Myroslav Marynovych, a founding member of the Ukrainian Helsinki Group and political prisoner.
- 2023: Vasyl Vyrozub, a Ukrainian priest and chaplain.
- 2024: Olga Heyko, the first female recipient, recognized for her dissident efforts.
Nadiya Kalinchenkova’s recognition reinforces the spirit of resilience and commitment among volunteers in Ukraine during these challenging times.
