Ukrainian orphan Vika longs to see her sister, who was adopted by a Canadian family | Vika

Ukrainian orphan Vika, 17, wants nothing more than to be united with her sister, who was adopted by a family in Canada. But first, she’ll have to manage the rocky transition to adulthood — all alone. #CBCShortDocs

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Vika — a 17 year-old Ukrainian orphan with fiery red hair, bright blue eyes and an everlasting laugh — is setting out into the world for the very first time, all alone.

Vika is the story of her final year at a rural boarding school in Eastern Ukraine. It’s also the story of the bond she fights to maintain with her 10 year-old sister, Arina. Arina was adopted by a family in Toronto four years ago, during the Ukrainian revolution.

Arina has a blissful childhood, with a family in Toronto offering her guidance, unconditional love and the types of opportunities Vika never had. Vika, meanwhile, is stepping out into the world as an adult for the first time, moving to another city and leaving behind the only support she's ever known. Vika hasn't seen Arina since she left Ukraine, but her ultimate goal is to one day reunite with her sister — the only family she has left — and start a life in Canada.

Reuniting the girls has always been the plan for Arina’s adoptive mother Alena, herself a Ukrainian immigrant to Canada. When she and her husband Slava made the decision to adopt, the sisters were already separated: Vika was put in a boarding school while her mother was alive; Arina was put in foster care after their mother’s death. Alena and Slava only met Vika later; they wanted to bring her to Toronto, but as a family of limited means, supporting both girls was impossible.

Before Vika can move to Canada, she’ll need to navigate the troublesome waters of life on her own, in a country where orphans are disproportionately abused, neglected and brutally stigmatised by society. As few as five percent of Ukrainian orphans make a successful transition to adult life. The majority fall victim to poverty, drugs, alcohol, crime, trafficking and suicide.

Vika has a real chance to break the mould, but it’s up to her to do it all alone.

Produced by Black Hawk.

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[fielanipohahau]

Read an update online: When this premiered at a film festival - Canada granted her a temporary visa which she used to visit Arina. She has since gone back to Ukraine to continue her studies, she's still in school, with hopes of graduating and moving to Canada permanently.

[ShayMarieDiary]

As a foster mother, I make it a RULE to NEVER separate siblings. If there are too many children for me to take, I just won’t take them. I would be devastated without my siblings. It’s the last bit of comfort they have, after being ripped from their homes. And shame on those, who separate twins.

[joannwilson]

She is so selfless, caring more about her sisters life then her own.

[samarbadri]

“Even if my life dont work out.. maybe her’s will” that broke my heart💔💔 i hope that you were reunited with your sister and have a wonderful successful life vika♥️

[joncastillian]

What kinda person can sleep at night knowing they separated two sisters and left one completely alone

[thebellamays]

I hate how the mother said she has family now. Then what was her sister?

[debatingaftershock]

Big sister has such a beautiful and valuable personality

[mee-aw]

"Because even if my life doesn't work out, maybe hers will."

She must be love her sister so so much. Hope they already reunite by now.

[RayBelizean]

Principal, "I can make exceptions for war veterans and refugees,
but not for orphans, that's the law."
— Incredibly sad! As a society we have failed orphans. Generally orphans are unwanted. Girls and young orphaned women are the most vulnerable. As a society we need to change right here in Canada and hopefully other countries will follow, to give priority to orphans because they are the most vulnerable. I pray and wish Vika will do well in life.

[PDogB]

So sad at the end with Vika walking away toward her new adult life with a giant teddy bear...As an orphan myself, even growing up here in the US, this program was hard to watch. I understand the loneliness and I just want to hug her. She is a smart and beautiful young lady.  I wish all the opportunities open up, her dreams come true and she does find the love and family she seeks....

[sfbusinessfinancing]

Separating the two sisters was so wrong.

[dariankierstead]

wow. my heart absolutely broke when watching Vika leave the orphanage, on her way to school. the fact she doesn't resent her sister or their family at all when they clearly could have looked into adopting both is just so unbelievable.

[VixenVilleInge]

What a brave young girl. I can't imagine making such big changes at such a young age without anyone really helping you to get through it. I really hope she gets reunited with her sister permanently and gets to live the life she wants to live. She definitely deserves it after all of that.

[mayrafernandez]

I myself am in the process of adopting a teen girl from Bulgaria. I can’t do much for Vika but I can save one orphaned girl. Please keep me in your prayers that all goes well. Thank you.

[mashadasha]

I live in Canada and my family is from Ukraine and I am so upset for Viktoria. She is sitting in a village as an orphan with no opportunity in Ukraine. Her sister is in Canada with all of the opportunity and they were separated???? Why?!! This is so cruel and unfair.

[aaronr.]

What a beautiful documentary. Bless their hearts. I hope she finds a way to join her sister in the future.

[ronazams]

I can see how The older sister is such a strong person! She will be okay and she will for sure can find a way to meet her younger sister.

[yazpistachio]

Vika is one of the bravest woman I have ever “met”! Great documentary! I hope Vika and Arina both have beautiful lives.

[Cheri]

I immediately thought of Vika as Russia is invading Ukraine today. I hope she and her baby will be okay. This story always moved me.