Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Children and Their Families in Moldova

Period: April 2023 – September 2024
Implementer: Step by Step Educational Program
Implementation Partners: UNICEF Moldova, LEGO Foundation Ukraine, Licurici Republican Puppet Theater
Funder: LEGO Foundation (Denmark)
Partners: Ministry of Education and Research, Ministry of Culture

Objectives:

• Ensure learning through play opportunities for young Ukrainian refugee children in Moldova.
• Support refugee parents in providing childcare and integrating into host communities.
• Strengthen the quality, inclusivity, and accessibility of education and care systems in Moldova based on child-centered principles.

Beneficiaries:

• 15 PLHs (Play-and-Learning Hubs): Established in 15 community centers and kindergartens across Moldova.
• 500 Ukrainian refugee children and 100 children from host communities benefit from PLH services.
• 300 Ukrainian refugee parents receive mental health and psychosocial support, positive parenting training, and Romanian language courses.
• 135 events for Ukrainian and host families with young children (thematic excursions, experiential learning opportunities, puppet shows, and other community events).
• 15,300 children and families (Ukrainian refugees and host communities) participate in events.
• 16 national trainers and 454 local trainers trained in MHPSS and child-centered education (CCE).
• 1,518 ECE staff trained in learning through play methodologies.
• 4,900 ECE teachers from Chișinău and Bălți municipalities, Cahul, Ungheni, Căușeni, Ștefan-Vodă, and Ialoveni regions trained in MHPSS and CCE.