Helping Ukrainian Refugee Children Thrive

Building a new future in Moldova

It has been more than two years since Eva, 10, and her little brother Misha, 6, last saw their home in Odesa, Ukraine. More than two years of hoping for the day when they could see their old friends again, stroll along the seashore and hug their grandparents. 

Since the sudden escalation of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, more than 5.9 million people have fled the country in search of safety. UNICEF works with local authorities and other partners in refugee-hosting countries to deliver emergency assistance and support services for Ukrainian families, providing children with the tools and resources they need to thrive to their new environment.

Safe spaces where children can feel a sense of belonging

Home for Eva and Misha for the foreseeable future is Balti, the second largest city in Moldova, where the children live with their mother, Tatiana. The children are continuing their education in Moldovan schools; after class, Eva joins her little brother at a play and learning hub established by UNICEF.

Set up in collaboration with the Government of Moldova and non-governmental partners, and with financial support from the LEGO Foundation, the hubs are welcoming spaces where refugee children can play and make art with Moldovan children, strengthening their ties to the local community. Trained psychological counselors are on hand to provide additional support as needed.

"Here, we have an oasis where children can be children," says Natalia, a psychologist. "This play and learning hub allows children to manage their emotions. A child may arrive sad, and we try to understand the problem and figure out how to help them overcome it. Once they join the group of children and start working, someone might share an idea or show something and the child forgets their worries and problems. Slowly, they become involved in the building process, improving their mood. It helps children feel better." 

A place to smile and grow: see inside a UNICEF play and learning hub in Moldova 

Helping children cope with trauma and upheaval

Adjusting to a new country and a new language, far from loved ones, is never easy. "We were forced to leave to safeguard our children and protect them from potential psychological traumas," Tatiana says, recalling the onset of the war. "For sure, the sound of sirens has an impact on children's mental health."  

Spending time in the play and learning hub has helped her children cope with the upheaval they've experienced. "When the children return home, they tell me, 'Mom, today we built a castle; today we built a car.' I believe play is the most effective form of learning," says Tatiana. "Interacting with other children and playing with the LEGO bricks fosters creativity and enhances their well-being. Away from home, they need to play and enjoy life more than ever."

UNICEF works to ensure every child has a healthy childhood

When the family arrived in Moldova, Misha adapted well to his new kindergarten, but Eva, who at first attended online school, longed for school activities and interaction with her classmates. "I really wanted to go to school because online school wasn't interesting," she says. "In a school where you can move around and engage in activities, it's much better. You learn something." 

Enrolling in a local school has helped boost Eva's spirits, but she is still coping with the loss of the life she left behind in Ukraine."I like the school here. I've made friends, but Ukrainian schools are special because I can speak my language there," she says.

She's taking music lessons in Moldova and dreams of becoming a professional singer one day. She proudly sings a Ukrainian song for visitors at the play space. "If I were famous, I would want to write a song, sing it and inspire people," she says.

UNICEF works around the world to help children survive and thrive. Your contribution will make a difference. Please donate today. 

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