Antonio Valencia / [email protected]
Amid the protracted conflict in Ukraine, which has forced thousands of families to flee their homes, refugee children have found a temporary home in Moldova. In the picturesque Moldovan countryside near the village of Zloti, 125 Ukrainian and Moldovan children are taking part in a summer camp organised by WeWorld and funded by Aktion Deutschland Hilft. The three-month camp offers young people an opportunity to learn, play and socialise, fostering integration and understanding between children from both countries.
During the camp, dance has become a significant cultural meeting point. Stanislav, a Moldovan boy, and Anna, a Ukrainian refugee from Odessa, show how art transcends borders. Both children, despite their different backgrounds and harsh circumstances, find in dance a space to share and teach their respective cultures, creating a deep connection through their common passion.
«As a child-focused organization, one of the activities we proudly support every year is summer camps. These camps provide a well-deserved break for children after nine months of school and significantly improve the well-being and integration of Ukrainian refugee children in Moldova,» shares Youssef Mhanna, Director of Operations for World Vision in Moldova.
Forging dreams
Anna, who fled the war in Ukraine when she was just 9, still deals with the trauma of her past. Loud noises and images of war affect her deeply, reminding her of the dark days she lived through in her hometown. The camp represents an opportunity for Anna and other children like her to find emotional relief and forge new friendships, despite the aftermath of the conflict.
The summer camps, which take place in eight ten-day cycles, not only offer recreational activities but also crucial emotional and social support for the children. Youssef Mhanna, World Vision’s Director of Operations in Moldova, highlights that these camps provide a safe environment that reduces stress and facilitates the integration of Ukrainian refugees into the Moldovan community.
As the sun sets and children share their dreams for the future, such as becoming international dancers or doctors, the camp becomes a symbol of hope and resilience. With more than 116,000 Ukrainian refugees in Moldova and more than 314,000 people reached by World Vision, these humanitarian efforts seek to offer not only respite, but also a new beginning in the midst of adversity.
About World Vision
World Vision is a global development, humanitarian aid organization, Advocacy (political advocacy and mobilization), promoter of justice and Christian principles, focused on the comprehensive protection with tenderness of the most vulnerable girls and boys, influencing the overcoming of extreme poverty, the fullness of life and human transformation.
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