Moldova

Preschool for Ukrainian children

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In Chişinău, in collaboration with the Baden-Württemberg Foundation and our local partner, the National Congress of Ukrainians of Moldova (NCUM), we supported the establishment and expansion of a daycare center for Ukrainian children who have experienced displacement. At the “Dyvosvit” daycare center, the children receive educational and psychosocial support to help them process war-related trauma and promote their integration into Moldovan society. At the same time, parents are supported in their integration into the labor market to help them get started in their new lives.

At a glance

Target audience

Ukrainian refugee children aged 3–7 and their parents in the Chişinău region of Moldova

Goal

Integration and support for refugee children and assistance for their parents

Partners & Donors

National Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova, Baden-Württemberg Foundation

Background

Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, over one million Ukrainians have sought refuge in the Republic of Moldova, a direct neighbor of Ukraine. More than 120,000 of them have settled there permanently, including many children. In many cases, they are traumatized by what they have experienced and also face social and language challenges in their new home.

 

Traditional kindergartens are often ill-equipped to meet the special needs of these children. As one of the smallest and poorest countries on the entire European continent, the Republic of Moldova itself faces major economic and social problems. The high number of Ukrainian refugees staying in the country places a significant additional burden on the already underfunded social, educational, and healthcare systems, to the detriment of the local population. Consequently, there is a lack of comprehensive care and support services in the Republic of Moldova for Ukrainian children traumatized by war and displacement, services that would help them process their experiences and integrate into their new environment. 

With a population of around 2.6 million, Moldova is Ukraine's smallest neighboring country.

Due to Russia’s war of aggression, more than 120,000 Ukrainians are currently residing in the Republic of Moldova on a long-term basis—that is nearly 5% of the country’s total population.

About 44% of the refugees from Ukraine in Moldova are children and adolescents.

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Our work in Moldova

To support the education and integration of Ukrainian children in the Republic of Moldova, we opened the “Dyvosvit” daycare center in 2023 in collaboration with our local partner organizations at the Taras Shevchenko School in Chişinău, the country’s capital. Following extensive renovations and the installation of child-friendly facilities, the center can accommodate 20 to 40 children aged 3 to 7. A long-term agreement with the municipal administration ensures its continued use.  

 

Based on a program developed by experienced educators that specifically addresses the needs of refugee children, their cognitive and social development is supported. Structured daily routines provide the children with stability, while a special focus is placed on fostering their emotional development to help them process their war experiences. Play-based Romanian language instruction in a professional learning environment helps promote an understanding of diversity and break down existing language barriers

Since 2024, there has also been a special emphasis on further developing an inclusive curriculum that combines Moldovan and Ukrainian educational elements. Particular attention is given to language acquisition in Ukrainian and Romanian, as well as the teaching of IT skills, to help children transition into the Moldovan education system.

 

This holistic approach strengthens the resilience of Ukrainian children and helps them adjust to their new environment. At the same time, the project supports parents through programs aimed at labor market integration and the development of community networks, and contributes to the visibility of the Ukrainian community in Moldova. 

Give children a future now

Your donation helps create a world where children can grow up safely, develop freely, and overcome poverty.

Häufig gefragt

What does ChildFund Germany stand for, and what is the goal of its work?

Our goal is to bring about lasting improvements in the future prospects of children in need, their families, and their entire communities. Through our commitment to these children and families, we aim to make a positive difference and create lasting improvements, always guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This enables them to exercise their rights, overcome poverty and dependency, and lead independent and self-determined lives.

How can I be sure that my donation actually reaches its destination?

The efficient use of the donations entrusted to us is our top priority. To ensure that our aid is used in a highly targeted manner, we rely on close collaboration with local partner organizations in all the countries where we operate, so that our assistance meets the specific needs on the ground. Furthermore, all our support is guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This ensures that the people in our projects benefit from long-term and lasting changes and, in the long run, no longer depend on aid but can live independently and self-determinedly. Our transparent and responsible handling of donations is also confirmed by the DZI Donation Seal, which we have been awarded continuously since 1995 by the German Central Institute for Social Issues.

How does ChildFund Germany work?

Our work is made possible by three sources of funding: sponsorships, other donations, and public funds. Our projects funded by sponsorships are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.

 

The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.

 

In all projects, ChildFund plays two specific roles: First, raising funds so that the project work can be implemented at all. And second, bringing together and building bridges between those who provide money and expertise and those who lack these resources. The goal is to maximize mutual benefit from the collaboration and to advance our projects in the most effective way possible.

What kinds of projects does ChildFund Germany carry out?

Our projects, which are funded through sponsorships, are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.

 

The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.

What regions and issues does ChildFund Germany focus on?

We operate in various countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Our work focuses primarily on education, nutrition, livelihood support, and child protection, as well as humanitarian aid in emergency situations. Issues such as health and climate protection are also central to many of our projects.

How can I support ChildFund Germany?

There are many different ways to support our work. From a one-time donation to a regular donation as a “Future Donor” to becoming a sponsor, you are free to choose the form of support that best suits you. Long-term and particularly sustainable support can also take the form of a foundation or a bequest. We also offer a range of customized support options for businesses and schools.

How many people does ChildFund Germany reach?

Through our work, we reach people in over 30 countries around the world. Our projects benefit more than 80,000 children, their families, and their communities.

Give children a future now

Your donation helps create a world where children can grow up safely, develop freely, and overcome poverty.

Or become a sponsor?

Donation account: Postbank | IBAN: DE61 6001 0070 0001 7107 02 | BIC: PBNKDEFF