Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova has become a transit and destination country for a significant number of refugees. The „CASMED„ NGO responded promptly to this crisis, mobilizing resources to support and assist Ukrainian refugees. Through the “Support for Ukrainian Refugees in Moldova” project, implemented with financial support from JOHANNITER, CASMED has provided significant assistance to thousands of refugees, contributing to improving their living conditions and their integration into local communities.

The project’s main objective was to provide integrated social protection and assistance services, facilitating refugees’ integration and well-being within local communities. It focused on three key areas: social integration of refugees, professional development of staff, and community engagement in refugee support. One year after its launch, the project’s results demonstrate a significant positive impact on both the beneficiaries and the wider community.

To ease their transition to life in Moldova, refugee families received comprehensive support Fifteen adolescents, 70% of whom were refugees, participated in 33 dedicated support sessions. These young people subsequently became actively involved in their community through three initiatives: organizing the “Grandma and Grandpa Fest 2024,” renovating a kindergarten playground, and creating a festive Christmas event.

Beyond social support, the project also provided essential mental health and psychosocial services, encompassing 953 individual and group sessions for 822 vulnerable individuals. Furthermore, 475 people received medical assistance and rehabilitation services. To further assist the most vulnerable, 150 refugees received 1,000 lei (approximately 50 euros) in vouchers for medicines and medical devices, and 50 people received vouchers of the same value for dental consultations.

For many beneficiaries, these services have meant a real change in their daily lives. Ana K., a mother of two boys, recounted how her son, who was very withdrawn, became much more sociable and made friends thanks to the program he followed and the psychological support he received: “CASMED offered us immense support, here we feel safe. We benefited from psychological services and courses, and my son changed enormously.”

To ensure better living conditions, 210 refugee families with children received vouchers for clothing and footwear. This type of aid was essential to meet the immediate needs of refugees and facilitate their integration. Elena T., one of the beneficiaries, emphasized how important this support was for her and her family: “CASMED’s projects have helped us enormously to integrate into Moldovan society and to feel safe. We have benefited from both psychological support and vouchers that have been of great help to us.”

For some refugees, the psychological support received within the project was essential in overcoming critical situations. Iana U. shared the difficult experience her family went through: “Our son, a teenager, was the victim of aggression at school. We did not receive the necessary help anywhere, only CASMED offered us psychological support for both me and him.”

An essential part of the project was the improvement of the professional skills of the staff involved in assisting refugees. 96 workers were trained in specialized programs. Of these, 20 participated in workshops on preventing professional exhaustion, and 30 benefited from training in psychological interventions. In addition, five specialists obtained certifications in occupational therapy and personality disorders. Also, 70 local actors were trained in the field of trauma support and gender-based violence awareness, thus contributing to increasing the intervention capacity at the community level.

Ecaterina Z., another beneficiary of the project, highlighted the long-term impact of CASMED’s initiatives and the need for their continuation: “All the support received so far from CASMED has been of enormous importance. It would be very useful for this project to continue and offer us the opportunity to take language or vocational training courses.”

One year after its launch, the “Support for Ukrainian Refugees in Moldova” project has brought hope and stability to the lives of thousands of refugees. The “CASMED” Public Association, with the support of JOHANNITER, has managed to create an environment where refugees feel safe, integrated, and supported.