As war erupted just tens of kilometers away, the Republic of Moldova faced unprecedented challenges. Moldova has become a refuge for numerous citizens from neighboring countries, offering a space of safety and hope for those affected by the regrettable consequences of the conflict. In this context, Amici dei Bambini is one of the organizations that intervened with activities aimed at enhancing the integration of refugees into the host society. This intervention is part of the project “Integrated humanitarian response for Ukrainians affected by conflict and third-country nationals from Ukraine, Poland, Romania, and Moldova,” funded by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project is implemented by the Alliance of NGOs Active in the Field of Child and Family Social Protection in partnership with Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH) and five other NGOs from the country.
Hotline, a vital source of support
The Amici dei Bambini team has launched services to address the specific and diverse needs of refugees through initiatives such as the hotline – 0 800 10 804. Initially focused on informing citizens from Ukraine about their options for temporary protection in Moldova, the hotline has quickly evolved into a vital resource available to all refugees seeking legal and psychological assistance. To enhance trust and understanding, a member of the Ukrainian community has been recruited to assist refugees, ensuring a nuanced approach to their concerns and needs. The goal is to foster stronger human connections between those in need and those providing assistance.
Stela Vasluian, the representative of Amici dei Bambini, emphasizes the importance of expanding their services and direct involvement in communities. “Initially, we provided legal support through the hotline, but we realized a more comprehensive approach was needed,” she explains. “Our interventions now include physical visits to localities and placement centers to assess beneficiaries’ needs, as some require more than phone assistance.”
This active and empathetic community presence demonstrates a commitment to refugees’ well-being and safety, translating ideas into tangible actions to protect their rights and welfare.
Intervention focused on refugee needs
Another crucial aspect of the intervention by the Amici dei Bambini team is psychological assistance. Beneficiaries receive support and guidance in managing stress, anxiety, and other challenges related to their experiences. The psychologist offers individual or group sessions, providing a safe and confidential space for refugees to discuss their feelings and explore solutions for coping with their situations.
“Through psychological assistance, our service aims to provide holistic and empathetic support, helping refugees regain balance and improve their well-being in their new community,” emphasized Stela Vasluian.
The youth perspective in a changing community
Amici dei Bambini aims to develop the resilience of young people in five localities in the Anenii Noi and Căușeni districts. The diverse activities target both Ukrainian and Moldovan adolescents. This initiative focuses on creating a group of volunteers, who will subsequently get involved through concrete actions (even after the project is completed), contributing to the cohesion between the host community and refugees, thus promoting integration and solidarity in a moment of vulnerability and uncertainty. To implement this initiative, Amici dei Bambini collaborates with the District Councils and Education Departments of the two localities. The localities were selected based on the presence of Ukrainian children in the community and the need for intervention in areas where other service providers are not active.
The designated psychologist meets with each group of young people twice a month. These meetings allow them to discuss and address various topics, from their own challenges to preparing them for subsequent activities. Thus, the intervention aims to provide young people with the necessary tools to become active and responsible volunteers in their communities.
Community Mobilization. A network of volunteers for solidarity and integration has been created
“I decided to join the activities because they help me develop, shape my personality, and express my opinion. With the help of the psychologist, we managed to form our trusted group, to interact easily, to support each other,” mentioned Victoria, a 9th-grade student in one of the institutions involved in the process. Asked how these activities have influenced the school environment, the student added: “It is important to encourage new classmates, who, because of the war in Ukraine, have come to Moldova. Our world is different from theirs. These activities help them understand us, see us as friends, and support each other.” Thus, involvement in these activities not only brings individual benefits but also contributes to the formation of a more united and inclusive community, offering refugees from Ukraine a supportive environment and integration into their new reality in Moldova.
Subsequently, young people will propose activities that will take place in their schools and communities. Adolescents from the five regions got to know each other, interacted, and exchanged experiences at a common event.
Amici dei Bambini is one of the five non-governmental organizations partnering in the project “Integrated humanitarian response for Ukrainians affected by conflict and third-country nationals from Ukraine, Poland, Romania, and Moldova,” implemented by the Alliance of NGOs Active in the Field of Child and Family Social Protection, in partnership with Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), with the financial support of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.