Ambassador Bruce Edwards visits Australia-supported projects for Ukrainian refugees in Moldova

“It has been truly inspiring to see the results of our work with World Vision here in Moldova,” said Bruce Edwards, Australia’s Ambassador for Moldova and Ukraine, during a visit to World Vision’s programs for Ukrainian refugees and hosting communities in Chisinau, Moldova.

Together with World Vision Ukraine Crisis Response (UCR) Response Director, Chris Palusky, and UCR Operations Director in Moldova, Youssef Mhanna, the ambassador visited a placement centre for elderly and disabled people in Chisinau, where World Vision runs a cash-for-work program for volunteers.

The centre, managed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova, accommodates 180 individuals on a daily basis, including people with disabilities, the elderly, those suffering from terminal conditions, and 35 Ukrainian refugees.

The volunteers, who receive compensation from World Vision through World Vision Korea support, assist people in need with their treatments, cleaning services, cooking, and logistics. They work at the facility 20 days a month.

“Thank you for your support and partnership. World Vision has been extremely supportive, and we are now able to compensate our volunteers who serve around 180 individuals daily,” shared Gheorghe Bejenari, Director of the Placement Centre for Elderly and Disabled People, during the visit.

“We aim to continue working together since the demand is overwhelming and the Moldovan and Ukrainian people still require our help,” he added.

The Australian ambassador also visited a child-friendly space (CFS) in Chisinau, which is run by World Vision’s local partner, Ave Copiii.

The CFS is currently funded by Nachbar in Not and the Austrian Development Agency, but it was previously established and supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP). 

The facility provides a safe haven for Ukrainian and Moldovan children, who spend their afternoons catching up on homework, playing, and participating in educational and mental health activities.

I’m grateful that we’ve come together for a common purpose – to help the Ukrainian people and children.

“Australian sponsorship has been an invaluable source of support for World Vision UCR in Moldova, fostering resilience, hope, and a brighter future for all involved,” shared Youssef Mhanna, UCR Operations Director in Moldova.

“One of our projects, funded by Australian aid and implemented in collaboration with our esteemed partner Ave Copiii, has played a pivotal role in addressing the critical protection needs of refugees from Ukraine and the Moldovan hosting community,” he went on.

The DFAT-funded project’s efforts centered on improving the well-being of girls and boys, women, and people with disabilities.

Ukrainian children have benefited from mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), protection, and non-formal education through the establishment of several child-friendly places across Moldova.

“Through this assistance, we aimed to help children and families cope with crises and offered emergency education services to ensure that children do not miss out on valuable learning opportunities,” said Mhanna.

He added, “We hope to continue this partnership in the future and respond to the ongoing needs.”

The Australian ambassador for Moldova and Ukraine, Bruce Edwards, and UCR’s Response Director, Chris Palusky, engaged with Ukrainian and Moldovan children who were participating in educational activities at the child-friendly space.

They played a board game together, and at the end of the visit, the ambassador gifted the children with books written in Ukrainian by refugee children who fled to Australia. The classroom was filled with whispers and chuckles as they eagerly flipped over their colourful books.

“I’m grateful that we’ve come together for a common purpose – to help the Ukrainian people and children. Today, we have both our partners and donors at the same table, and only by working together can we make a real and lasting difference,” shared Chris Palusky, UCR Response Director.

“We are committed to standing alongside Ukrainian refugees and our Moldovan hosting communities.”

“World Vision will continue providing critical assistance through programs focused on mental health, education, addressing basic needs, cash and vouchers, and livelihoods, ensuring a brighter future for the most vulnerable children,” he added.

Lastly, the ambassador paid a visit to a Moldovan family that is supported by World Vision’s cash program, which is funded by the WFP.

The family hosts a Ukrainian refugee from Myckolaiv, who escaped war-torn Ukraine about a year ago. She suffers from a disability and can hardly manage to pay her expenses in the hosting country, but she is grateful for the Moldovan people’s generosity.

“I see the remarkable impact of World Vision and the Australian people, but it is the Moldovan people’s incredible compassion and goodwill in assisting Ukrainian refugees that has struck me the most,” concluded Bruce Edwards.

To date, World Vision UCR in Moldova has served over 208,000 individuals, including Ukrainian refugees and hosting communities, with protection, livelihoods, health, education, cash, mental health programs, and basic needs support.

Story and photos by Laurentia Jora, Romania and Moldova Communications Coordinator