December 20, 2023
News
In the refugee placement centre in Calarasi, Moldova, we met Maxim Lesciuk, an 18-year-old from Odesa. A tennis champion and sports enthusiast, Maxim was due to enroll in firefighting school from the autumn of 2022. He was eager to serve and protect people in emergency situations. Maxim’s plans, and the dreams of many others, were shattered when the war came and disrupted everything.
Aspirations dashed by war
At the beginning of the war, Maxim's family did not want to leave Ukraine. They all thought the war would be short-lived and will not affect their town, but eventually the bombing came to their neighborhood. Maxim's 24-year-old sister was the most worried, with two young children (1 and 3 years old) and nowhere to hide with them.
Maxim's mother persuaded him and his older sister to take refuge in Moldova: "I was 17 when the war started. I couldn't cross the border alone. My mother urged us to come to Moldova because it was quiet there and we would be close to our country. Also, I was very aware that my sister needed my help. She couldn't have managed on her own with two toddlers,“ Maxim recalls. From customs, Maxim's mother went back to Odesa where she continues to work. In Moldova, they found shelter in a placement centre in Calarasi.
Now Maxim shares a room with his sister and her children. He is grateful for what he has been given. He finished the school year online. His sister managed to get a part-time job at a local sewing factory, and Maxim takes care of her children while she is away. He does it with responsibility and commitment although he admits it is not easy to look after two toddlers at the same time. Maxim and his sister talk to their relatives every day and hope that soon they can return home.
A new beginning is near for Maxim
Being a sports lover and a former tennis champion, Maxim enrolled at the local sports school in Calarasi which he attends every day: "Sport is a big part of my life. I was extremely happy to find out that I can join the sports school for free. I train every day. I've taken up tennis and volleyball and also made some local friends there. They welcome me and support me and give me any advice or recommendations I need,“ Maxim shares.
Maxim has not given up his dream of becoming a firefighter. He hopes to be admitted to a school that trains future police officers or firefighters.
"I used to work during the summer as a lifeguard on the beach in Odesa. That's when I became aware of my desire to help others. As I also love sports, I thought that my passions could match in the profession of firefighter. That way I will be able to help people and get my adrenaline rush. Firefighting is a profession that requires agility, speed and courage, and I think I have them all,“ says Maxim confidently.
How does Caritas Czech Republic help refugees in Moldova
The placement centre where Maxim and his sister are staying has been equipped by Caritas Czech Republic with beds, mattresses, bedding and appliances so that refugees can have here a decent life.
Additionally, we have offered similar support to 12 placement centres across Moldova.
Moreover, we offered prompt financial assistance to refugees, with a focus on vulnerable groups like single mothers and elderly people. We also enhanced refugees' access to healthcare, including psychological support, to aid them in dealing with the trauma of war. In total, our support has reached 15,000 individuals.
