The Refugee Accommodation Center in Moldova: A testament of people’s enduring hope and kindness

Stefan Voda, Moldova - A small village named Popeasca lies in the north of Stefan Voda known not just for its tranquil surroundings but also for the refugee accommodation centre (RAC) that has become a beacon of hope for many Ukrainian refugees.

Since February 2022, Popeasca's population has surged with people fleeing the war in Ukraine to seek solace and safety. Today, the center shelters 60 refugees, 30 of whom are children.

But it faces daunting challenges due to financial constraints. Staffing cuts have strained resources, but a glimmer of hope shines through the selfless efforts of volunteers.

These volunteers, engaged in the Cash for Work initiative by World Vision with funding from Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) became a lifeline for everyone.

Mariana, a 37-year-old local from Popeasca has cooked for the center since March 2024. With just the two of them, the task of feeding dozens is Herculean, but Mariana's passion is unwavering.

"I love what I am doing. I love that my actions impact my village. It makes me happy," she shares with a smile that lights up the room. Her work with World Vision gave her a sense of purpose and contribute meaningfully.

"Thanks to World Vision, we can focus on other issues the center has and make the lives of people easier. We put our hearts into the work we do. We hope the war will end, and the center will be transformed into a center for elders."

Then there’s Natalia, a 48-year-old Ukrainian refugee from Kherson. Natalia’s journey is marked by unimaginable hardship. Arriving in Moldova in September 2023, she carried the scars of war—both physical and emotional.

Recalling the days under occupation, she says, "You have a fear of everything daily because you don’t know what can happen. You might be arrested, you might die of hunger, a missile can destroy your place and kill you. When you see armed groups patrolling the streets, you start thinking: ‘Am I next…?’"

After enduring the occupation and a devastating drone attack that injured her and destroyed her home, Natalia knew she had to leave. She fled to Moldova, and on September 15, 2024, reached Palanca, seeking refuge.

The quiet village of Popeasca offered her the peace she desperately needed.

"I feel relieved. There are no fears since I have left Ukraine. I hope once the war ends, I will spend my retirement back home. But now, I must continue fighting with all challenges," she says.

Natalia does the laundry work in the center, a role that not only provides her with some income but also helps keep her mind off the war. "I like what I do now, despite the fact that sometimes it’s difficult to interact with people," she confides. The center meets basic needs and provide stability.

Dorina, RAC’s director, expresses her gratitude, "Thanks to World Vision, we can focus on other issues the center has and make the lives of people easier. We put our hearts into the work we do. We hope the war will end, and the center will be transformed into a center for elders."

Currently, 87 people are participating in the initiative that not only provides crucial income for locals and refugees but also strengthens Moldova’s social infrastructure. Participants assist in the center, offer mental health and psychosocial support, and organize recreational activities for children, fostering a sense of community and hope.

In the face of adversity, the people of Popeasca and the refugees they shelter stand as a testament to the enduring human spirit to share hope even in the darkest of times.

Story and photos by Communications Officer Pavel Iorga