World Vision and WeWorld continue to address essential needs of Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan host communities

“Through a successful collaboration with We World, we were able to identify and serve the most vulnerable people throughout the winter, when temperatures dropped to -16 degrees Celsius,” shares Adela Softic, World Vision's Multi-Project Manager in Moldova.

The ADH-funded project aims to reduce the vulnerability of refugees and crisis-affected host communities, through emergency life-saving assistance. The priority of the program is to strengthen the lifesaving and protective environment and to cover their essential needs.

During a distribution funded by Aktion Deuschland Hilft, and implemented by We World, World Vision's local partner, 3000 food kits and 3000 hygiene kits were distributed to households and 1000 winterization kits were handed out to the most vulnerable, including an electric heater and a warming pad.

"Partnerships enabled us to reach more people and give much-needed assistance to Ukrainian refugees and hosting communities, both of whom are facing numerous hardships at this time,” shared Giovanna Fotia, Deputy Country Representative of We World Moldova.

During the distribution, people in need had access to mental health and psychosocial services, where they could express their struggles and fears, and receive assistance from a trained psychologist.

“This initiative facilitated the process of understanding their needs, promptly referred to relevant institutions and organizations, enabling individuals to access social services, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) through confidential interviews with dedicated social workers,” Fotia added.

“I don't feel comfortable accepting aid, but I truly need it, and I thank the donors very much for their generosity, which is much needed in times like these,” shared Svetlana after receiving the goods.

The food kit contains essentials such as rice, buckwheat, beans, flour, sugar, pepper, oil, oat flakes, milk, juice, and tomato sauce.

“These supplies allow us to have a sigh of relief and are of fundamental importance to us. We are a big family, and our mere salaries don't cover all our basic needs. I am very grateful for the help,” shared Marin, a Moldovan.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, World Vision has distributed more than 4,900 metric tons of food and reached more than 530,000 people with food assistance.

World Vision's Ukraine Crisis Response reached more than 1,500,000 people through food, non-food items, cash assistance, protection and education services, livelihoods and MHPSS programming in Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Romania, of which 48% are children.

Watch: UCR's Two Year On video of accomplishments

Story and photos by Dan Munteanu, Communications Officer