World Vision provides language classes to help Ukrainian refugees' integration in Romania

More than a year of war in Ukraine has resulted to 8.1 million refugees across Europe. They face significant challenges, such as lack of access to housing, healthcare and education. Finding a job or accessing to basic services is very difficult due to the language barrier.

Most of the refugees experience distress, displacement and many lost their homes and livelihoods, which makes their integration into the new society even more challenging. To help the refugees adapt to the new culture and environment, World Vision has provided language classes in Constanta, Romania.

Ukrainians aged 15 and above can attend Romanian and English language classes. There are two classes for each language, one class in the afternoon and one class in the evening to accommodate those who are working.

Through the support of Global Affairs Canada (GAC), 60 Ukrainians are currently attending the language classes. 

Hanna and her 16-year-old son Yevgenni are among those studying Romanian language. “This class is very helpful for me to learn to read, write and speak Romanian as I want to be accepted in the university,” Yevgenni said.

The family had been living in Romania for more than six months after fleeing the war-torn Kherson.  “It is very important for us to learn the language so we can talk to Romanians who have welcomed us in their community,” Hanna shared.

I could not find available Romanian language classes even online. I am grateful World Vision offered this. Learning Romanian is very useful for us.

“It’s fun and interesting to learn new language. It is now easier to go to the shops, ask questions and directions,” Yevgenni added.

Yuri, a 53-year-old computer programmer from Odessa, was overjoyed upon learning the free language classes. “I could not find available Romanian language classes even online. I am grateful World Vision offered this. Learning Romanian is very useful for us.”

“World Vision’s goal is to help Ukrainians integrate in the Romanian society.  We provided these language classes to enable them to do well in schools and find jobs. We want them to take part in community gatherings and events,” Razvan Nicola, World Vision Field Officer explained.

At the end of the basic language course, the students need to pass the test to advance to the next level, the intermediate class. After they pass the last test, they will receive the certificate of completion on their graduation day.

To date, 171,313 Ukrainians in 15 municipalities in Romania has been supported by World Vision in partnership with seven organizations and agencies.

Overall, World Vision has reached 656,320 refugees, internally displaced and host communities in Romania, Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine.

Story and photos by Leoniza Morales, Communications Specialist