Summer camps bring rays of sunshine, laughter and fun as Ukrainian and Moldovan children learn and bond together

In the heart of Moldova’s countryside, some 70 kilometers from the capital, Chisinau, lies a small village located in lush woodland. Here, at the bustling summer camp nestled near Zloti village, 125 Ukrainian and Moldovan children play around, each one of them engaging thoroughly in sports activities.

In the blazing July sunshine, Stanislav, a green-eyed local Moldovan boy, performs five dance movements with precision and velocity. Anna, who hailed from Odesa, Ukraine two years ago, stands next to the boy, a few inches shorter than him, trying to duplicate the moves with incredible accuracy.

Despite the scorching heat emanating from the asphalt, the two have been fully dedicated to learning the new Moldovan dance for several hours now. They are both professional dancers who met only a few days ago when they arrived at the ten-day summer camp, run by WeWorld, World Vision’s local partner, and funded by Aktion Deutschland Hilft.

“Working on dance performances with Anna is an unforgettable cultural experience. She taught me the nuances of Ukrainian dancing, and I taught her my knowledge of Moldovan and Bulgarian dances,” shares Stanislav, 15.

“It is a wonderful combination of customs. We not only learnt from one another but also developed a friendship because of our shared passion for dancing,” he adds on.

Amidst the chaotic sound of children’s laughter, there is a screeching sound that makes Anna wince involuntarily. The hefty door of the nearby building slammed shut with a loud bang. Her heart sprang into her throat, and she froze, her eyes wide in dread.

She was only 9 years old when the war started. She has witnessed the loss, destruction, and perpetual tension that has seized her city since that horrific February day in 2022. Each loud noise, each unexpected movement triggers her, takes her to those first days of living underground.

“In the first days of the war, we moved to our grandma’s shelter. We stayed in complete darkness, mold and freezing cold,” says Anna.

“I recall a dinner. All of us were seated around the table, and our mom told us it’s not safe anymore to stay home. My sister and I will have to leave together with our grandma,” she continues. The nine-year-old girls had no idea it would be their family’s last dinner together.

Yulia and Anna, twin sisters, have relocated to several cities across Moldova, first sharing a space with some relatives, and then moving to the capital city. “The most difficult part is that you simply miss your home, your people,” shares Yulia, her almond-shaped brown eyes gleaming with sadness.

Both have been studying online, following the Ukrainian curriculum. The most challenging part for them is finding new meaningful connections in this unfamiliar setting while being locked in their computer desks for hours. However, the summer camp provided them with the opportunity to engage in face-to-face learning and social interactions.

“I’m just grateful for the friends I had the chance to make here,” says Yulia timidly. “I’ve met some great people.”

The summer camps extend for a period of three months and consist of eight 10-day cycles, accommodating 125 Ukrainian and Moldovan children per cycle. During the three months, a total of 1000 children are part of the activities.

“As a child-focused organization, one of the activities we proudly support annually is summer camps. These camps provide a well-deserved break for children after nine months of school and significantly enhance the well-being and integration of Ukrainian refugee children in Moldova,” shares Youssef Mhanna, World Vision’s Operations Director in Moldova.

“By offering structured physical, emotional, and social support, these camps create a safe environment for physical activities, reducing stress and anxiety. Socially, they facilitate peer interaction and cultural exchange, fostering a sense of belonging and community integration,” he adds.

Children aged 8 to 15 participate in a wide range of educational and recreational activities led by 13 facilitators to support personal development. They receive ten days of housing, three main meals, and two snacks every day, as well as trips across Moldova. “Summer camps promote social cohesion between Moldovan and Ukrainian children, encouraging mutual understanding, friendship, and a stronger community bond,” explains Liliana Marfescu, the camp’s manager.

“From arts and crafts to outdoor sports and games, every activity is designed to create a friendly and inclusive environment in which children from various backgrounds can learn together,” she continues.

While Anna and Stanislav are sketching their dance moves, a few meters away, in the blazing noon sunlight, another group of children is playing volleyball. The ball bounces playfully, while the children leap up in the hope of tying the score with the opposing team.

Nearby, in the shade of a wooden rooftop, a quieter scene unfolds. Two girls, their brows furrowed in concentration, compete in a strategic battle over a chessboard. On the left side of the meadow, seven-year-old Maria plays with colorful hoops.

“There’s something for everyone here, from painting to dancing, acting, and playing sports,” says Mihai giggling.

As the sun begins to set and the golden light fills the air, children begin to share their dreams and hopes for the future. “My biggest dream is to perform piano on a large worldwide stage,” says Stanislav. “I want to become a doctor,” adds Yulia.

“I hope I’ll be an international dancer,” shares Anna. “But mostly I hope for peace,” she concludes.

After more than two years of war in Ukraine, Moldova hosts more than 116,000 Ukrainian refugees. World Vision has reached over 314,000 of them, including host communities, with mental health services, basic needs, education, cash, protection, and livelihood initiatives.

Story and photos by Laurentia Jora, Communications Manager