Build an environmental training center in Moldova

by 'EcoVisio' Public Association
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Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova
Build an environmental training center in Moldova

Project Report | Jan 10, 2024
Community Based Approach in the Integration of Ukrainian Refugees in Moldovan Society

By Laurentiu Mutruc | PR & Communication Coordinator

Sport Class for Women in Palanca, Org. by Yana
Sport Class for Women in Palanca, Org. by Yana

Dear Friends,    

In the spring of 2022, when Russia's military aggression towards Ukraine was in full force and thousands of refugees from Ukraine were coming into Moldova every day, EcoVisio received a $50,000 grant from GlobalGiving as an Emergency Relief Grant from the GlobalGiving Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. This financial aid came in the context that we, even though we are not a specialized organization in working with refugees, have provided our training center in Rîscova (EcoVillage Moldova) for the accommodation and support of refugees in these difficult times. We are grateful to GlobalGiving and want to share with you some inspiring stories of how this money has made the lives of some refugees easier and more enjoyable, even in times of war.

Yana and Mariia are refugees from Ukraine in the villages of Palanca and Tudora - two villages located in the south-east of Moldova, on the border with Ukraine, which are currently hosting Ukrainian refugees fleeing the warMariia carries out handicraft activities with local Ukrainian and Moldovan children. Yana organises sports activities for children and women in Palanca.  The financial support we provide from the GlobalGiving fund for the activities she does is the main source of income for her family from Odessa: herself, 2 children, her husband, and her parents. She and her husband opened a hotel in Odessa before the war. In the first year, they managed to get to a net 0 balance, then in the cold season the sales dropped, and in February the war started... For Yana and Mariia this financial support is crucial to get through these difficult times for them and their families. At the same time, a united community of locals and refugees benefit from their activities which help people to cope a bit easier with the stress caused by the war. 

The second story is about EcoMisto – an organisation from Chernihiv, a town in northern Ukraine on the border with Belarus, with which we worked closely before the war. This NGO is implementing a beautiful initiative #BikesForUkraine and in the most difficult period for EcoMisto, EcoVisio came with small financial support, helping bike workshop to continue its activities 

Why?  

Bicycle has become the main transportation mode for Ukrainian cities that suffered from the Russian military aggression, as it is Chernihiv. These cities struggle with interrupted or fully not operational public transportation and lack of fuel. Thus, the bicycle remains the only stable mobility option for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the movement of personnel of critically important services. For example, the other day 19 bicycles were handed over to the inhabitants of a modular town in the Novoseliv community in the Chernihiv region. Now the inhabitants of this town have access to environmentally friendly and affordable transport for all, even if their infrastructure is damaged. 

The third story is about Ukrainian children and sustainable toys. EcoVisio supported several visits by refugee children to EduJoc workshops - a Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) that creates toys from eco-friendly materials and employs disadvantaged people. More than 100 children enjoyed interactive activities at the Floreni workshop, from observing how a toy is made - so that the children can understand how the wood is processed to become a toy - to the moment when they could create their own toy by themselves, with the guidance of the craftsman. Many thanks to the EduJoc team for bringing smiles to these children's faces! 

Almost all refugees in Moldova are women with children, as men are not allowed to cross the border. These mothers have had to devote themselves entirely to their mission of saving themselves from danger outside the country by taking care of their children, and sometimes also of other children, of their neighbours, of their friends, children whom they have managed to save from bombings before coming as a refugee in Moldova. At the beginning of September 2023 we invited a group of mothers to spend 2 days in EcoVillage Moldova, relaxing and learning from our specialists about a healthy, environmentally friendly lifestyle. This was organised because of the great interest after similar trainings in spring (financed from a crisis-response project).  

We continued to organize these trainings because the mothers managed to spend time relaxing (they and their children are provided with accommodation and food for these days) and interactive, learning new useful information for a healthier lifestyle and environment. Here are the impressions taken from the participants' chat:

”Girls, it's been an awesome 2 days! A whole sea of emotions and an interesting experience. We expressed many words of gratitude - and they were genuine, that's for sure! But I want to say a special thank you also for the fact that WE were able to visit you! Honestly, even though it was free, it was... not free (someone paid for us). THANK YOU!   
And to you, dear Yulechka, and to all the organizers, thank you so much for this amazing holiday! Peace and health to all! ” 

Another part of the money from GlobalGiving together with funding from the International Rescue Committee was invested in a camp for 70 refugee children from Ukraine. They had an intense program of activities outside Chisinau: 4 day of fun and learning new things. This was also an opportunity for their mothers to rest from taking care of their children. Here are some impressions received from one of the mothers, after the camp:

“Thank you so much, it is the first experience for my child and so positive on all sides, loved it all, he says he will remember it for life!” 

These are not all the activities organised by EcoVisio and of course not the last ones. We will continue to find the best ways to support the well-being of Ukrainian refugees since the war continues, and people still need the help and warmth of Moldova, both physical and emotional one. 

Thank you, GlobalGiving, for helping us to be able to help others in these difficult times when everyone's donations count... to have peace and silence in our homes... 

Sport Class for Children in Palanca, org. by Yana
Sport Class for Children in Palanca, org. by Yana
Handicraft Activities for Children in Tudora
Handicraft Activities for Children in Tudora
The Bicycles Handed over to Novoseliv Community
The Bicycles Handed over to Novoseliv Community
#BikesForUkraine Workshop in Chernihiv
#BikesForUkraine Workshop in Chernihiv
Ukrainian Children at EduJoc Workshop
Ukrainian Children at EduJoc Workshop
A Ukrainian Girl Makes her Own Toy
A Ukrainian Girl Makes her Own Toy
Ukrainian Women Refugees at EcoVillage Moldova
Ukrainian Women Refugees at EcoVillage Moldova
Healthy Environmentally Friendly Lifestyle Seminar
Healthy Environmentally Friendly Lifestyle Seminar
Interactive Activities at EcoVillage Seminars
Interactive Activities at EcoVillage Seminars
Spring Camp for Ukrainian Children
Spring Camp for Ukrainian Children
Interactive Activities for Ukrainian Children
Interactive Activities for Ukrainian Children

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Organization Information

'EcoVisio' Public Association

Location: Chisinau - Moldova, Republic of
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Project Leader:
Liliana Botnaru
Chisinau , Moldova, Republic of
$16,871 raised of $19,000 goal
 
353 donations
$2,129 to go
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$10
USD
Illuminate the Future: Your donation will light up our center with an energy-efficient LED bulb, symbolizing a brighter, greener future and reducing our carbon footprint.
$15
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Seeds of Change: Help us promote sustainability. Your contribution will buy seeds and seedlings, nurturing a thriving organic garden that serves as a living classroom for eco-friendly practices.
$25
USD
Knowledge is Power: Empower minds with your gift. This donation provides essential books and resources, enriching our library with the wisdom of sustainability and environmental balance.
$50
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Cultivating Community Dreams: Your generous support will fund a local entrepreneur or farmer, turning their sustainable vision into reality, and fostering a greener, more resilient community.
$100
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Building a Sustainable Space: Contribute to the heart of our center. Your donation will help repair and upgrade our facilities, ensuring a welcoming and functional space for learning and growth.
$250
USD
Energize with Renewables: Be part of Moldovan RE transition. Your contribution towards solar panels or other renewable sources will light our path to energy independence and environmental stewardship.
$500
USD
Educational Evolution: Your donation is an investment in the future. Help us develop and launch new, innovative programs that will educate and inspire action towards a more sustainable world.
$1,000
USD
Visionary Impact: Make a lasting difference. Your substantial contribution supports strategic planning and expansion, ensuring our center remains a beacon of hope and progress in sustainable living.
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