A Refuge of Hope
People Assisted by People in Need Moldova
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, millions of people were forced to abandon their homes and seek safety beyond the country's borders. In total, nearly 2 million Ukrainians entered our country, most of whom continued their journey westward. Despite being a small country, Moldova has become a place of refuge for around 135,000 Ukrainians, offering them hope and support far from home.
Among the refugees, approximately one-third are children—nearly 45,000 Ukrainian youngsters who have found a second home in Moldova.
To address the crisis, we launched the PLACE project in 2022, funded by the European Union and, in consortium with Acted, IMPACT and NRC - Norwegian Refugee Council.
To provide children with a friendly and stable environment, we established educational and recreational centres throughout the country.
Here, children have the opportunity to learn, play, and rebuild their childhood alongside their Moldovan peers.
Ukrainian refugees affected by the trauma of war also received psycho-social support through our local partners, including "REthink", "Clinica Juridică", and "Aripi de viață" ("Wings of Life").
In Edineț, the organisation "Wings of Life" provides refugees, as well as members of the local community, with a safe and friendly space where both children and adults can regain their emotional balance.
The meetings at "Wings of Life" help me not to feel alone. It is a place where I listen to different stories, receive advice, and sometimes, I can even be a source of inspiration or lend a helping hand to someone else,"
says Alina Titarenco, a mother who fled Ukraine with her two children at the beginning of the war.
A Special Summer for Refugee Children
Last summer was a special time for refugee children in Moldova, who had the opportunity to participate in various recreational activities. For them, as well as for Moldovan children from host communities, we organised art workshops, excursions, and outdoor games. These activities were a welcome break from their daily struggles.
In wintertime, through the "Iarna dăruim căldură" ("In Winter We Share Warmth") campaign, we provided winterisation aid to the people who needed it—both among refugees and the host community.
Thus, over 600 Moldovan and Ukrainian children received vouchers for winter clothing and footwear.
I want to thank People in Need for giving me the opportunity to dress my children warmly. Now I can be sure that this winter, they will not suffer from the cold,"
says Iryna, a Ukrainian refugee, with gratitude.
Helping those who need us
To facilitate refugees' access to the government's "Ajutor la Contor" programme, our team organised information sessions and assistance, enabling Ukrainian families to receive energy bill compensation to help with the harsh winter.
For Liudmyla, war meant being forced from her hometown, Ochakiv, located on the Black Sea. Despite losing so much, she did not abandon her four-legged friends, who now provide her comfort in Bălți, where she is trying to rebuild her life.
During the harsh winter months, the financial support we provided was crucial for her and over 130 Ukrainian and Moldovan families struggling with overwhelming heating bills.
will receive financial assistance to cover their heating and electricity bills this winter.
We have always sought to extend a helping hand in special cases. One such case that touched our entire team was that of sisters Kateryna and Kristina from Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Odesa Oblast. Both girls suffer from a severe genetic condition that threatens their eyesight.
Kateryna, affectionately called "Katiusha" by her aunt, had reached the point where she only had 7% vision in one eye and 2% in the other. For Kristina, the younger sister, the prognosis was not much better.
The cost of a round of medical treatment was covered, bringing the two sisters hope for a better life. Additionally, to support their education, we provided them with a specialised tablet.
You helped us exactly when we needed it the most, and the tablet has been a huge help for the girls in their studies. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!"
says Tetiana, the girls' aunt, emotionally expressing her gratitude.
A Bridge to a New Beginning
During public debates and events, our colleagues highlighted both the challenges faced by refugees and the solutions proposed to support those forced to flee their homes.
The financial assistance provided by the European Union became a bridge to a new beginning for many refugees. Every form of aid, every counselling session, and every organised activity contributed to rebuilding lives shattered by war. Without this support, the road for refugees would have been much harder.
The Republic of Moldova has proven that hospitality and compassion can change destinies.
For many, Moldova has become a temporary shelter. For others, it is a new home. But for all, it was a PLACE where they found humanity and hope.