“For me, it’s always very important to help other people. No matter what questions or problems someone has—if I can help, I do,” explains Zherlitsyna.

When she came to Germany from Ukraine with her three children in 2022, she experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to find one’s way in a new country. The language, in particular, posed a major challenge for many Ukrainians. It quickly became clear to Zherlitsyna: she wanted to do something.

Together with other volunteers and in collaboration with the city of Sarstedt, she organized language cafés, workshops, and social gatherings. Through creative activities and intercultural events, she brought people together in conversation and created spaces for exchange and community.

Building on this initiative, she founded the WULYK association together with other volunteers. The association, which was founded in February 2026 and now has about 25 members, aims to bring people from different backgrounds together and build bridges between cultures. “We are all different, but as human beings we are equal,” says Zherlitsyna, describing her vision.

Raising Awareness of Ukrainian Culture

She also wants to raise the profile of Ukrainian culture in Germany while facilitating encounters. As a co-founder, she is particularly proud of the vocal ensemble NeboKray, which now has 14 members and has performed at more than 35 events. Ukrainian theater tours, literary events, and bilingual readings are also among the projects she helps organize.

In addition, Zherlitsyna is involved in humanitarian projects and fundraising campaigns, supports music programs for Ukrainian children, and participates in international education, inclusion, and translation projects.

Language as the Key to Integration

Her commitment is closely tied to her studies in German as a Second Language (DaZ) and German as a Foreign Language (DaF). In Ukraine, she had already earned a master’s degree and worked as a teacher of French and English. In Germany, she wanted to further develop her own language skills while also helping others learn German. Her own multilingualism shapes her perspective on language: Zherlitsyna speaks Ukrainian, Russian, English, French, and German, and is also learning Italian.

“The DaZ/DaF program plays a very important role for me,” she says. Language is crucial for integration: “You can’t do it without language.” Those who cannot communicate find it difficult to truly become part of a society.

Recognition for Exceptional Commitment

Zherlitsyna was initially surprised by the award from the International Office. When her instructor, Dr. Dariia Orobchuk—who had nominated her for the award and later informed her that she would receive the Commitment Award—told her the news, she could hardly believe it. Although she knows how much time and energy she invests in her projects, she still feels that other people do even more.

This makes the recognition all the more meaningful to her. She finds it particularly important that the university acknowledges and highlights the commitment of its students.

In the future, Zherlitsyna would like to continue bringing people together and building bridges between cultures. At the same time, she wants to encourage other students to get involved, make connections, and bring their own ideas to life. For her, engagement begins with a simple mindset: the desire to help others.