This Ukrainian refugee in Moldova believes there are no borders when serving and caring for others in need

Nataliia Oleatovschi's story is one of resilience, shaped by a history of political repression, displacement, and a deep commitment to humanitarian work. 

Born in Kyiv, Nataliia’s family's history was marked by suffering all the way from her grandfather’s work helping evacuate people during the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant explosion impacting her family’s life immensely. 

In 2013, as political tensions in Kyiv escalated, Nataliia decided to move to Chisinau, Moldova, seeking safety and a chance to support her country from afar.

Early Life and Influences

Growing up near a UNESCO social center built in Borodianka, Ukraine after the Chernobyl crisis, Nataliia's childhood was shaped by the support she received from the center that offered free access to a playroom, psychologist, sports and art activities, and a library, which she frequented weekly. 

This environment of care and education ignited her lifelong passion for helping others having studied at the Open International University of Human Development in Ukraine focused on the rehabilitation and integration of persons living with disability.

She completed her Master’s Degree from the National Transportation University with major in Management and Economy.

From the age of 14, Nataliia volunteered with the Orthodox Youth Movement “Youth is Not Indifferent,” assisting vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, children with cancer, and the elderly. “Helping others brought me satisfaction, sincere joy, and I clearly realized what I wanted to do in life,” she recalls.

A New Life in Moldova

In Moldova, Nataliia naturally gravitated towards helping people. She joined the Neoumanist Center which supports the elderly and became actively involved in the Ukrainian community in Moldova. It allowed her to preserve her cultural roots while promoting Ukrainian traditions and language in a foreign land.

Over the years, Nataliia integrated well, learning the language, marrying, and having two children. However, her connection to Ukraine remained strong. She anxiously watched the developments in her home country, and when the full-scale conflict erupted on February 24, 2022, she sprang into action.

This crisis is personal for me. Helping others here in Moldova means helping my family and countless other families in need.

Humanitarian Efforts During the Ukraine Crisis

Nataliia activated Ukrainian diaspora to provide humanitarian assistance together with the Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova composed of five members leading the regional chapters.

From the first days, a shelter was opened to receive refugees, and the headquarters was organized to provide various humanitarian aid, a summer camp was opened for refugee children and children with disabilities. 

Moldova was unprepared for such a large-scale humanitarian crisis, but Nataliia’s extensive experience in project and people management helped her create an efficient support system for those in need.

The conflict deeply affected her family as well. Her childhood home was bombed, and her mother, aunt, and grandfather became refugees. Her father has been serving on the front lines for over two years. 

“This crisis is personal for me. Helping others here in Moldova means helping my family and countless other families in need,” Nataliia explains.

Partnering and Collaboration with World Vision

In 2023, Nataliia partnered with World Vision, managing a project through Keystone, a local organization aiding people with disabilities. By 2024, she officially joined World Vision as a project coordinator. 

Her understanding of the local context, her leadership in the community, and her network of connections have been invaluable in implementing initiatives that assist the most vulnerable groups - both refugees and the host community.

As project manager, she coordinates activities that include mental health and psychosocial support, IMPACT youth clubs for young people to pursue their goals, develop essential skills like communication, negotiation and conflict resolution, and well-organized aid distribution for people in need.

Nataliia starred in a short film titled “Vse Bude” (“Everything Will Be”) about Ukrainian refugees in Moldova which won third place from a UNHCR competition, a testament to her dedication to her those displaced by conflict.

“There are no borders for good deeds and service,” she says.

Story and Photos by Pavel Iorga, Communications Officer