Moldova: Humanitarian assistance in a new country
A journey of resilience: A mother-daughter tale of hope
In the Republic of Moldova, a mother and daughter are making their way to kindergarten. Their journey began almost two years ago when they fled their home in Ukraine due to the war, leaving behind their husband and father.
After grim days in bomb shelters amidst air raids and many tears, they found refuge in a government-owned shelter in Moldova. Despite the initial chaos and uncertainty, they settled eventually securing a job at a local digital learning centre and enrolling in kindergarten. Though they long for the day the war ends, and they can return home to reunite as a family, Moldova has become a second home, offering a sense of belonging and hope for the future.
The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, supports individuals throughout all phases of displacement. UNHCR delivers life-saving support in emergencies and help find long-term solutions to help refugees return home once it is safe or to build a new life in a new country.
A place for children
Children who have been forced to flee often need support in processing trauma and harmful memories. Children indeed need play, normality and routines, and the opportunity to be with other children. Caritas Moldova offers a community centre for children, with a kindergarten, sports activities and after school activities under one roof. Many Ukrainian students also wish to maintain contact with their school in Ukraine, and Caritas can help support this.
Especially younger children who have forcibly displaced for a large portion of their lives are in need of additional support. The Caritas centre has staff with the competence to support children with special needs, including development of coping-mechanisms and the opportunity of meeting other children in the same situation. The centres also offer parents a place to meet, and to share stories and experiences.
Winter Resilience
The Moldovan winter is cold and lasts for months. To support refugees from Ukraine as well as vulnerable Moldovan households, the Norwegian Refugee Council has, together with partners, distributed winter kits to over 3,600 participants across twenty-four districts. Further, winterization assistance was also offered at all 42 refugee accommodation centres across the Republic of Moldova, including voucher support in the Transnistria region.
Support to be prepared for the cold winter, such as vouchers and comprehensive winterization kits, is important to increase the resilience and comfort of vulnerable households during the harsh weather conditions.