A displaced mother’s shift of career and priorities from Ukraine to Moldova to keep children safe from the war
Nastia once had a promising career in films and commercials in Ukraine. She also produced digital content for various companies. Her husband was the director of the sales department at a fast-growing company.
After spending many years raising their two boys, Nastia felt she can finally pursue her dream to studying acting.
Anastasiia, or Nastia as she is fondly called, is a 40-year-old mother from Odessa, Ukraine. Along with her family, she fled to Moldova on February 24, 2022, on the very first day of the war. The decision to leave was driven by their fears for their safety and that of their two boys.
Initially, they planned to leave Odessa for the countryside, believing the city was the most dangerous place at the time. However, during their journey, they were contacted by a family in Moldova, acquaintances of Nastia’s husband through work.
Nastia recalls the moment when her husband, driving the car, turned to her and asked, “Moldova?” They both agreed and headed towards Moldova. Without a concrete plan, they initially thought they would stay for a few days, convinced that the conflict would be resolved quickly.
Settling in Moldova, she tried to find a job working as a sales consultant for a company. However, she quickly realized that the routine of a 9-to-5 office job was not for her.
Nastia opted to work as a nanny for a five-month-old child of a Ukrainian family. She was contacted by the mother of the child due to her experience managing a children’s center in Ukraine, well-known for its creative and educational activities and extensive book collection.
The pace of her current work does not match what she had in Ukraine. To keep herself busy, Nastia attends the English language classes three times a week, which help her acquire an important skill today.
"They are showing great results, and I am sure they have the potential to master their skills, which will open new opportunities."
"I really like what I am doing here. I want to continue studying with our group and teacher," shares Anastasiia. The language courses are part of the World Vision project funded by Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH) and implemented by WeWorld.
Irina Cazacova, Quo Vadis English language teacher, appreciates the group’s enthusiasm. She says, "They are showing great results, and I am sure they have the potential to master their skills, which will open new opportunities.”
"I am discovering a new world, new opportunities, and a hidden power inside myself, which helps me continue and not give up regardless of what's happening around," says Nastia.
Nastia speaks warmly of the Moldovan family who welcomed them with compassion and care. They continue to live in the same apartment with them. Her husband began learning Romanian to better communicate with their hosts. They share important events and celebrations, such as Christmas and Easter.
In Ukraine, they left behind their parents and relatives, whom Nastia and the children have visited a few times. In June last year, they decided never to return unless the war ends when they experienced an explosion very close to their home, which terrified their younger son. He asked not to return.
She still struggles to think about the future. So, she pours all her energy into raising her son who will soon start attending school in Moldova. She shared how Divertis Center operated by Ave Copiii has been very helpful in helping her son transition from full-time online learning to in-person learning at school.
His school in Ukraine is also transitioning to in-person learning, but the classrooms will be in bomb shelters to protect the children from the incoming missiles, which is why they can’t return.
Since May 2024, 404 people have been attending language classes that aim to help participants integrate into the local society and open new opportunities, such as finding jobs or learn Romanian or English languages.
Story and photos by Pavel Iorga, Communications Officer