Over 150 children and their parents in Ungheni District have received financial, psychological, social, medical, and legal assistance. The beneficiary families are refugees from Ukraine, as well as citizens of the Republic of Moldova. Their needs have been analysed, and a series of measures have been proposed to address them, while also ensuring greater connection between the two communities.
The Public Association “Alternative Sociale” from Ungheni District is carrying out a series of essential activities for the inclusion of Ukrainian refugees in communities throughout the Republic of Moldova. These activities are part of the measures implemented within the framework of the project “Integrated Humanitarian Response for Ukrainians affected by the conflict and third-country nationals in Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Moldova”. This project, financed by the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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 in the country, including the Public Association “Alternative Sociale”.
Support and integration activities
Refugees from Ukraine, along with residents of Ungheni, have participated in support sessions organised by the Public Association “Alternative Sociale”. Specialists from various fields, including medicine, law enforcement, and psychology, were invited to these sessions to address the needs of both the host community and the newly arrived refugees. Uliana, the moderator of the sessions, emphasized the positive impact of these meetings. “These sessions have been essential for both Moldovan citizens and Ukrainian refugees,” she said, “providing vital information and support in navigating local assistance systems.”
“This project is important because it offers support to refugees in the Republic of Moldova, helping them find solutions to the problems and challenges they face,” Uliana mentioned. “We aim to deliver services that make a difference for those in need. We ensure that the families we work with are connected to medical services, the education system, and social assistance, so that children and their parents can benefit from a decent standard of living.”
Financial assistance for refugees’ needs
Over 100 families from Moldova and Ukraine who have taken refuge in Ungheni District have received financial support. Marina, a project facilitator and specialist at the Family Support Social Service for Children, stated: “This financial support has included covering the costs of clothing, footwear, medicines, and utilities, and has been essential for families with children with disabilities, autism, or other serious medical conditions.” According to estimates, around 60% of those who have received assistance are Ukrainian, with the rest being Moldovan.
“We have tried to identify what services/initiatives we can offer that are not provided by the authorities,” she added. To ensure the proper use of funds, the association has implemented a rigorous monitoring process. Beneficiaries are required to present receipts and agree to home visits to verify the implementation of the spending plan. Cases are closely monitored so that families and their children receive the necessary support efficiently and transparently.
Mental health initiatives in the community
The action plan proposed by the alliance specialists also included psychological counseling services. A flexible approach was chosen to ensure all beneficiaries receive the appropriate level of support to address their mental health concerns. Cases of rape or abuse were identified, requiring increased attention from the psychologist. Over 100 such sessions were delivered to those involved in therapy.
In addition to individual sessions, group sessions were organised to reach a larger number of beneficiaries facing similar challenges. For example, one session addressed the topic of behavior and actions taken in the context of migration and trauma, particularly relevant for Ukrainian refugees. Stress management strategies and resilience-building techniques were discussed. The organization’s psychologist was also requested to provide therapy to Ukrainians still in their home country.
The Public Association “Alternative Sociale” continues to make a difference in the Ungheni District, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society receive the support they need. “Alianțe Sociale” is one of the five partner non-governmental organizations involved in the project “Integrated Humanitarian Response for Ukrainians Affected by Conflict and Third-Country Nationals in 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 Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.