Centers of Hope – Support for Ukrainian Refugees
Russia’s military aggression has had a devastating impact on people’s lives, forcing many to abandon their homes and seek refuge abroad. This is the reality faced by Polina and Zahra, two Ukrainian refugees who, due to the war in their country, have sought hope and safety in Moldova.
While the tragedy of war has brought them numerous challenges, such as the loss of their homes, poor health, and psychological trauma, the existence of community centers, like the one at 32 Gheorghe Cașu Street in Chișinău, serves not only as shelter but also as vital support.
These community centers prove to be true oases of assistance, offering psychological counseling, medical help, and educational and recreational activities that help alleviate stress and aid in adapting to a new life. They are not only meeting points for those affected by war but also platforms for integration and life rebuilding.
Polina, a 60-year-old woman from Odesa, was forced to leave her home and peaceful life due to the war, seeking refuge in Moldova, where her sister lives. Hoping to reach Germany to join her daughter, Polina sought help at the Community Center in Chișinău, where she learned about Safe Space Homecare, a program supported by UNFPA to assist Ukrainian refugees. Here, Polina received psychological counseling and participated in activities such as art workshops and group sessions aimed at facilitating adaptation to new circumstances and managing stress.
The center stands out with its colorful and vibrant spaces, where genuine conversations take place, and practical support is offered. The vibrant decor bears witness to the stories of refugees like Polina, who, guided by hope, are searching for a new beginning.
Zahra, a 63-year-old woman from Kharkiv, along with her 60-year-old sister, Uliana, is facing serious health and emotional issues. After being forced to leave her sewing workshop in Kharkiv due to the war, Zahra now suffers from insomnia and anxiety. Arriving in Moldova two months ago, she sought medical and psychological assistance at Safe Space Chișinău, where she also received a personal needs kit, including support for managing stress and anxiety.
Meetings at the center are more than just opportunities to find solutions to the refugees’ problems; they are also moments of reconnecting with oneself and discovering the courage and resilience needed to overcome difficult situations. The lively hallways of the center symbolize the transition to a new chapter, and the “EXIT” sign suggests not just a physical way out, but also the promise of regained freedom. Polina and Zahra, like many others, find in Safe Space not just administrative support but also the hope of a new beginning within a compassionate community ready to help.
This activity is part of the program “Improving access to essential health services and protection against gender-based violence for refugees from Ukraine and those in host communities,” supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA Moldova) in the Republic of Moldova and funded by the European Union.
Distribuie acest articol:
