OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR REFUGEES FROM UKRAINE: BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND SKILLS
Because of forced migration caused by war and instability, many individuals experience psychological stress and a loss of sense of stability. In this context, Occupational Therapy (OT) becomes an essential factor in supporting refugees to regain self-confidence, develop skills and reintegrate into the host society. In this article, we present the Occupational Therapy Program, part of activities in the “Safe Space”, managed by AO Homecare, UNFPA”s Implementing Partner UNFPA Moldova. The activity is targeting both refugies and host communities.
The program, led by occupational therapy specialist Oxana Chireanova, is aimed at a group of 10-15 Ukrainian refugees who have found shelter in the Republic of Moldova. The objective is to support these people in developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and regaining confidence in their own abilities. To achieve this, the program is based on varied and interactive activities, adapted to the individual needs and interests of the participants.
The program includes a diverse range of benchmarks and hands-on activities to develop motor skills, coordination, creativity and cognitive abilities. Participants engaged in activities such as practicing fundamental manual gestures and motor coordination, training healthy behaviors, graphic-plastic and musical expression activities, as well as developing organizational and hygiene skills.
By participating in this program, refugees gain a number of skills, including motor coordination, creativity, concentration and the ability to collaborate in a group. These skills not only support the process of recovery and social reintegration, but also contribute to their further personal and professional development.
The Occupational Therapy Initiative for refugees from Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova, under the coordination of Oxana Chireanova, represents an essential step in supporting these people to adapt to the new reality and rebuild their lives. Through occupational therapy activities, refugees have the chance to develop skills and regain confidence in their own abilities, preparing for a more promising future in the host society.
This initiative is part of UNFPA humanitarian actions aimed at improving access to gender-based violence response services for Ukrainian refugees and vulnerable host communities. By extending community-based approaches through mobile and static safe spaces, a commitment to bringing positive change and support to the community in need is emphasized.
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