By Gabriela Popescu | Project Leader
This summer, our project blossomed into a vibrant tapestry of activities that brought together Ukrainian refugees and local Romanian communities in meaningful, healing, and joyful ways. From art therapy to intercultural picnics, we created safe spaces for expression, learning, and connection.
Celebrating Refugee Day – June 20, 2025
In partnership with ENDNAE, we marked World Refugee Day with a lively outdoor event that welcomed around 150 children, both Romanian and Ukrainian, aged 3 to 18. The day was filled with laughter, creativity, and community spirit. Children painted stones with colorful designs and messages of hope, symbolizing resilience and unity.
Intercultural Picnic
We hosted an Intercultural Picnic that brought together 10 young people from Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova. Through board games and relaxed conversation, participants developed intercultural and language skills while building friendships. This initiative helped reduce feelings of isolation during the summer break and promoted collaboration across communities.
Art Therapy Workshop – “Healing Through Color”
A small but powerful art therapy workshop was held for 5 Ukrainian girls, offering a safe space for emotional expression through painting. The workshop encouraged personal reflection and mutual support, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional healing.
Glass Painting – Symbols of Strength
In June, 10 Ukrainian mothers participated in a glass painting workshop, decorating mugs with personal symbols. This introspective activity encouraged social bonding and the formation of authentic connections, while allowing the women to express their inner journeys through art.
Literacy and Language Development
We distributed 880 copies of the bilingual book “How Rondo Changed War” in Ukrainian and English. This initiative supported English language development and literacy among refugee children and youth, while also offering a culturally relevant narrative that resonated with their experiences.
Culinary Activities for Teens
We organized culinary workshops for 10 Ukrainian adolescents, where they learned to prepare simple, nutritious meals. These sessions not only taught practical skills but also fostered teamwork and cultural exchange.
Handmade Crafts for Mothers
Ukrainian mothers engaged in handmade craft sessions, creating decorative items while sharing stories and building supportive networks. These activities provided a therapeutic outlet and strengthened community ties.
Cinema for Seniors
We launched a cinemateca (film club) for senior refugees, offering a relaxing and culturally enriching experience. These gatherings helped combat loneliness and provided a space for reflection and socialization.
Expansion to Vaslui County
This summer marked a significant milestone: we expanded our activities to Vaslui County, where we supported 764 vulnerable youth at the end of the school year. Each child received a fully equipped schoolbag, helping them start the academic year with confidence and dignity. In total, 700 children benefited from this initiative, which aimed to reduce educational disparities and promote inclusion.
Looking Ahead
The summer of 2025 was a season of growth, healing, and connection. Through diverse activities tailored to different age groups and needs, we reached over 1,700 beneficiaries, empowering them with tools for emotional resilience, social integration, and educational success.
We remain committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact, one story, one smile, and one connection at a time.
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