Moldova Emergency measures to help Moldovan children affected by floods

23 Jul 2010 | summer camp

Chisinau, Moldova, July 21,2010: Heavy rainfalls in the northern Moldovan regions, as well as in Romania and Ukraine led to the serious flooding in many parts of Moldova. The most affected regions are Hancesti, Briceni, Nisporeni, Ungheni, Edinet, Riscani, Cantemir, Leova and municipality of Chisinau (North, Centre and South of the country). The floods caused the displacement of population, destruction of villages and loss of crops. According to the UN statistical date , the floods affected about 85 communities from 16 districts, 850 houses flooded and 900 at risk of being flooded, as a result around 3 000 people have been evacuated, including more that 600 children. It is worth to note that 250 affected children have been housed by state institutions such as summer camps and the majority of children with their families have been hosted by their relatives or neighbours, the other 230 children and parents have been placed in public institutions (school, warehouse).

In light of this, being aware of difficult life situation these children are going through a short-term partnership has been established between Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) office in Moldova, the NGO “Salvati Copiii” Moldova, the French Association “Solidarité Laïque” and Terre des hommes Moldova in order to give immediate help and assistance to 209 directly affected children placed in three summer camps of Hincesti and Chisinau. Therefore, during the period July 22- August 31 about 42 animators from Tdh’s FACT CPSN and MOVE projects are going to organize and carry out the psychosocial activities for about 265 children from the above mentioned summer camps.

The FACT CPSN and MOVE psychosocial activities are going to help these children to overcome the consequences of trauma caused by floods and loss of home. They aim also at allowing children to get relaxed, to express their feelings and emotions through non verbal activities (ex: drawings) or through discussions with animators, as well as to feel the concern and affection from other people.