March 28, 2024
News
Tatiana Bogoeva, originally from the Ukrainian town of Artsyz in the Odessa region, decided to make a tough choice to seek refuge in Moldova together with her 3 children and her mother Svetlana. Fleeing the growing conflict in Ukraine, they embarked on a challenging journey, driven by a strong desire to keep their family safe and secure. Their story reflects both resilience and the challenges of starting a new life.
Escaping the war in Ukraine
Life in Ukraine was marked by the persistent threat of conflict. Tatiana was at home, taking care of her 3 kids. Her husband is a truck driver, he continues to work and tries to earn some money to support his family. Svetlana, who ran a children's shoe shop, was forced to close her business as the war escalated. With military bases nearby and frequent bombings, their hometown of Artsyz became increasingly unsafe. Despite leaving their house behind, the memories of their former life persist as painful reminders of what they have lost.
The decision to move to Moldova was prompted by the safety concerns arising from the war in Ukraine. With small children in their arms, Tatiana and Svetlana made the difficult decision to seek refuge in Moldova, where they had relatives. Escaping by car, they crossed the Ukrainian-Moldovan border with hopes of finding a safer place for their family.
Settling in Moldova - new challenges and opportunities
Adjusting to life in Moldova has come with its own set of challenges. Initially renting a small apartment to reduce expenses, they struggle with the high cost of living. "At first, managing all our expenses was incredibly challenging. However, thanks to the support of Caritas Czech Republic, we were able to overcome these difficulties and navigate through our financial struggles," mentions Tatiana.
The children find opportunities for development and inclusion in the local community. 10-years-old Afanasii, already a judo champion, thrives in Moldova's sports scene, while 6-years-old Varvara enjoys kindergarten activities. Tatiana is taking care of her youngest child, but she intends to enroll 3-years-old Alexandr into kindergarten soon. They found consolation in the warmth of community support and the hope for a better future.
Grateful for the assistance received form Caritas Czech Republic
“We are grateful for the support we received from Caritas Czech Republic, including cash assistance and vouchers for groceries and winter clothing. It helps us a lot from the beginning and we felt that Moldova is a safe place for us,” says Svetlana.
However, as they adapt to life in Moldova, they still long for their homeland. Svetlana occasionally returns to Ukraine to collect belongings from their deserted house, serving as a poignant reminder of the life they once knew.
As they look ahead, the Bogoeva family dreams of returning home one day, even as they strive to build a new life in Moldova. Their story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity and the enduring hope for brighter tomorrows.
Caritas Czech Republic is a promoter of sustainable changes in Moldova
Caritas Czech Republic supports Ukrainian refugees to adapt to life in Moldova. We provide food vouchers, vouchers for winter clothing, and packages with essential hygiene products. In total, Caritas Czech Republic has supported around 15,000 people in this way. Moreover, we have offered similar support to 12 placement centres across Moldova. We also enhanced refugees' access to healthcare, including psychological support, to aid them in dealing with the trauma of war.
Apart from supporting refugees, Caritas Czech Republic will improve the sanitation condition in 25 schools in rural areas from Moldova. We are involved in communities’ life and want to bring visible changes that will improve the quality of life for people from local communities.
With the support of Caritas Czech Republic, several recovered people have been trained for the role of peer supporter. People with personal life experience in mental health who use their own experience to support others with similar conditions.
We continuously focus our efforts in the direction of improving quality and sustainability of social services in Moldova. Our dedication is reflected in the tangible improvements seen in the lives of each person we support, reaffirming the lasting impact of our involvement.
