65 young people have become volunteers to identify solutions to their needs and contribute to the successful integration of children from Ukraine who have become members of their communities. For several months, they benefited from training provided by Amici dei Bambini and engaged in activities aimed at developing their skills and encouraging them to become involved actors, subsequently becoming genuine volunteers who deliver interesting and impactful actions for their peers.
The initiative is part of the “Integrated humanitarian response for Ukrainians affected by conflict and third-country nationals from Ukraine, Poland, Romania, and Moldova” project, implemented by the Alliance of NGOs Active in the Field of Child and Family Social Protection (APSCF). The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany through Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH).
The Amici dei Bambini Association recruited volunteers from the districts of Căușeni and Anenii Noi, as well as from the villages of Grădinița, Bulboaca, and Gura Bîcului—areas that have become havens for refugees. “The volunteers learned to collaborate efficiently, make collective decisions, connect with each other, and listen to everyone’s opinions,” explained Rodica Bunescu-Chilimciuc, a psychologist who led the psychosocial support program for young people over five months. She noted that while some volunteers were initially hesitant, they gradually became more open and engaged within the safe environment provided during the sessions.
The volunteers were encouraged to identify their community’s needs and brainstorm potential solutions. “The volunteers clearly identified several issues within their community,” explained Ana Gorea, a psychologist. “They identified concerns related to ecology and waste management, as well as the amount of time spent on social networks. In response, they proposed organizing festivals, games, and engaging activities for children. Safety in the online environment was also highlighted, with the volunteers actively seeking solutions to enhance protection. They demonstrated a proactive approach in addressing their own needs.”
The young people from the five localities had the opportunity to connect, discuss, and exchange ideas. At the initiative of Amici dei Bambini, they participated in a series of enjoyable activities that they will continue to lead and organize in their communities. Games, music, and lively interactions characterized the atmosphere of the gathering of the 65 children.
“The activities are so engaging that I want to participate in each of them. I believe we can bring this positive atmosphere to our school community,” shares volunteer Valeria Sartenean. “As students, we can promote values like kindness and empathy among our peers. This new experience of communication will help us show children in need that they have someone to rely on.”
The activities are designed to promote cohesion between the host community and refugees from Ukraine. Dmitriy Gramatic, who arrived in Moldova last year, emphasizes the importance of such activities for the integration of Ukrainian children into society.
“I appreciate that children from various regions of the country are participating in this event. It highlights our differences and underscores the significance of integrating into a new environment,” shares Dmitriy. “I’ve been volunteering since I arrived in Moldova, and I believe we should leverage our experiences to help other children feel welcomed and comfortable in our communities.”
After completing the group’s training and meetings, and as the young people developed their skills, they are now integrating action plans into the activities of their schools and communities. Some have prepared initiatives that span six months to a year, demonstrating a commitment to implementing their ideas and making a lasting impact within their local environments.
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.