Problem Background
Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, the terrible war brought overnight a number of social, economic, political and humanitarian challenges and first of all lives lost, tragedies in many families.
Apart from the serious geo-political implications, apart from the sudden growth of prices and other uncertainties in Moldovan society – the war brought to the table of Moldovan society (both Government and civil society) the humanitarian crisis related to a big number of refugees, including thousands of children and youth.
Unlike other Balkan/Eastern Europe region countries, Moldova never met with such a problem since its independence in 1991 and was practically caught off guard: no mechanisms put in place, no specialized state services, no funding available etc.
In this situation, kids and youth are among the ones to suffer most because they are affected emotionally, disconnected from education and from healthy socializing with peers. They are mostly into the virtual world of internet – this signaling of serious consequences and difficulties in later on integration and re-adaptation to normalcy.
Global Fund for Children (globally) in partnership with the Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi) locally stepped in to make a difference.
Please see iRi’s policy briefs on the situation of Ukrainian refugees and the recommendations on the needed remedy.
Intervention
If in the first days of the war, services like transportation, housing and food were the first priority, later on, a number of other problems revealed such as acute need for integration services of the refugees that decided to stay (jobs, education, protection mechanisms, cultural accommodation etc.).
The emerging needs are not currently met in a systemic order, if not addressed – will negatively affect both Ukrainian refugees (quality of life) and Moldovan system (overloaded, financial deficit, ineffective intervention systems on the medium and long term).
MEET UA program services
- Assist integrating Ukrainian kids, youth and parents via non-formal education while engaging in art therapy and creative design activities
- Offer input and facilitation to Ukrainian kids and their parents/tutors as they seek to access services (human rights, communication and emotional support, education, labor etc.)
- Help Moldovan system change to the better is transitioning to a friendlier refugees’ environment
The main activities are conducted at the MEET Community Centers specifically designed to offer assistance.
iRi previous experience with Democracy Clubs created in partnership with Global Fund for Children will be an important asset as iRi quickly adapts to new challenges and needs.
This program funded by the Global Fund for Children in partnership with tens of local partners and volunteers.