World Vision and AVE Copiii launch storybooks for Ukraine's children
"Childhood books lay the foundations for creativity, develop imagination and way of thinking in children, helping them to express their own emotions and feelings. The books help us grow up brave and responsible adults", said Mariana Ianachevici, Executive Director of the AVE Copiii Association, World Vision Ukraine Response’s partner in Moldova.
On 28th October 2022, AVE Copiii Association and World Vision Ukraine Crisis Response (UCR), in collaboration with author Ionela Hadarca and Prut International Publishing House, launched two story books translated in Ukrainian to help children and families who fled from the war in their country.
The initiative is part of the project that aims to provide assistance to children and families affected by the war in Ukraine, including host families in Moldova. It is funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.
Ionela Hadârcă expressed happiness that her books will reach Ukrainian children. She said, "I wish that in these complicated times, the books will warm their evenings and bring smiles on their faces, and hope in their hearts, because as all the stories tell us that the good always wins.”
As the special guest of the event, His Excellency Marko Shevchenko, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova, thanked all those who supported the initiative, especially the Government of Australia, for the Ukrainian children who found refuge in Moldova. The ambassador also shared his gratitude to the authorities, agencies, and all the Moldovans for the warm welcome and kindness to the Ukranian refugees.
Ionela Hadârcă's book "UF! Ghid pentru a trăi cu frații și surorile mai mici” (UF! Guide to living with younger brothers and sisters) is intended for children who have younger brothers and sisters with whom they want to have a balanced relationship, understand each other better and live harmoniously together.
”UHU! Ghid de reeducare a părinților” (OHO! Parent Pe-Education Guide) has as its main character Uhu Ciuf-de-Pădure, a wise (and very modest) owl, who spends time comparing the life of her family with that of the Tartinescu family, who live in the block next to the forest. From each situation, she draws the wisest and most unexpected conclusions about how the parents educate their children.
I wish that in these complicated times, the books will warm their evenings and bring smiles on their faces, and hope in their hearts, because as all the stories tell us that the good always wins.
World Vision’s Moldova Operations Director Youssef Mhanna said, “In countries affected by emergencies, children lose their loved ones and homes. They have no access to safe drinking water, health care and food. They lose safety and routine, and without access to education, they further risk losing their future. We are sharing these books because they bring hope, and in sad times, hope can bring us forward.”
Olga Stanciu, the Executive Director of Prut Publishing House said, "In the coming months, in collaboration with the AVE Copiii Association, we will launch Romanian books for children in 54 local communities. Moldovan and Ukrainian children will meet writers from the Republic of Moldova, read stories and poems together, discuss and learn good behavior from their favorite heroes.”
The books were translated by Anatol Viere from Ukraine, who, in a prerecorded message thanked the donors for the initiative. He said that, “The successful efforts to translate the books will give children the opportunity to meet new characters that help them distinguish between good and bad.”
The Republic of Moldova is home to at least 40,000 Ukrainian children who fled the war. With the arrival of the first refugees, the Association for Child and Family Empowerment "AVE Copiii" made available all human and material resources to support the refugees in this country, with several partners including World Vision.
The "Protection and Educational Support to Ukrainian Refugees and Host Community Children in Moldova" Project is being implemented by the Association for Child and Family Empowerment "AVE Copiii", in partnership with World Vision, with support from DFAT. Through the project, around 200 children in 10 child-friendly spaces participate in education and psycho-social activities.
In addition, 1,393 children received school supplies, 33 Ukrainian children attend Romanian language classes, while 80 computers for 20 educational institutions and libraries are in the process of distribution to create internet access for children who learn online.
Todate, World Vision’s response has assisted 95,928 refugees and host families in Moldova working with four partners in 16 municipalities. In partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), 200 families were registered to be supported through the Cash Assistance Program.
By Cristina Virschi, DFAT Project Coordinator I Photos: UCR Communications