From Ukraine to Moldova, Lidiya relives on her 83-year journey as a refugee
It was 5:00 in the morning on February 24, 2022 when Lidiya was jolted awake by sounds she had hoped never to hear again. The echoes of bombs and sirens, once buried in the past, had resurfaced. Although she had experienced it once back in 1941, she couldn’t believe that nearly a century later, people would still harbor such hatred.
Under the immense stress of two months of war, Lidiya lost the ability to walk without assistance. Her daughter Olena, 64, alarmed by her mother’s deteriorating health, contacted the family. Olena’s son, a doctor in Vinnytsia, arranged for Lidiya to be relocated. Weeks later, they learned that the block of flats Lidiya had lived in was partially destroyed by a missile, her apartment among the ruins.
Olena had been abroad before the war in Ukraine started, but she rushed back to her mother as soon as she could. Once Lidiya recovered from the shock of that harrowing February morning, mother and daughter decided to seek safety outside of Ukraine.
“It’s heartbreaking when civilians become victims,” says Olena, her voice filled with sorrow.
In July 2022, Olena and her mother sought refuge in Chisinau from Kharkiv. A kind-hearted Moldovan family, now close friends, welcomed them into their home. The family who hosted them benefits from World Vision's emergency cash assistance, a World Food Programme-funded project.
The initiative provides cash support to Moldovan households hosting Ukrainian refugees like Lidiya and Olena. It helps families cope with increased utility expenses, while simultaneously aiding Ukrainian refugees.
The Moldovan family provided Lidiya with WFP's financial assistance to help her purchase medicines, hygiene items, and cover other basic needs costs.
“Medical services here are costly, but thanks to Liudmila, who hosted us, and the assistance provided, we can afford it,” Olena shares gratefully.
It’s heartbreaking when civilians become victims.
Surrounded by warm-hearted people supporting them in this difficult time, Lidiya finds the strength to confront all of the hurdles of hardship and displacement.
“The assistance provided supports not just households but also refugees, as Moldova is full of people who generously share this aid with Ukrainians in need,” shares Aurelia Dumbraveanu, World Vision's project team leader.
Far from home, Olena and Lidiya find comfort and support in their hosting family and the kindness shared by them. Now, Lidiya can take a few steps using a walking stick, each step a triumph, a testament to her resilience. These small steps are a significant achievement.
“Moldova is still a sunny country with the kindest people, just as it was in 1967,” adds Lidiia, recalling her time in Moldova as a young professional. Ten years later, she returned home, never imagining she would have to seek refuge there decades later.
Never forget to smile at each other, and to everyone you meet, regardless of gender, nationality and age. Always choose to spread kindness,” Lidiya concludes.
World Vision assisted more than 6,000 Moldovan hosting families in 32 districts of the country, supported by the World Food Programme. Lidiya’s story is just one among many, but it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength of the human spirit and the profound impact of kindness and support in times of crisis.
Cover photo: Lidiya, 91, shares her story with Aurelia Dumbraveanu, World Vision's project team leader. "I never expected that it would happen, again, like in 1941 when I was 8 years old."
Story and photos by Pavel Iorga, Communications Officer