September 23, 2024
News
Tatiana and Igori Froimciuk, along with their children, were forced to flee the war-torn city of Mykolaiv, Ukraine, seeking safety in Moldova. Thanks to the support of Caritas Czech Republic, they have begun to rebuild their lives. Though the future remains uncertain, the family holds onto the hope of returning to Ukraine one day, dreaming of a stable and peaceful life ahead.
Tatiana and Igori had to uproot their family to find safety from the war
Tatiana and Igori Froimciuk, along with their children enjoyed a peaceful life in Mykolaiv, a city in southern Ukraine. Igori worked as an electrician, supporting the family while Tatiana cared for their children at home. Their small apartment was filled with love and laughter. But in early 2022, their world was shattered when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The invasion brought devastation to Mykolaiv. “We knew we had to leave to protect our children,“ Tatiana remembers. Constant shelling, power outages, and water shortages filled their days with fear and uncertainty. With the approach of the winter season, the family made the heart-wrenching decision to flee. “We crossed the Palanca border into Moldova in October 2022, hoping to find safety and a chance to rebuild our lives,“ says Tatiana.
Caritas Czech Republic brings relief to Ukrainian refugees
Their journey to Moldova was filled with hardship. With no savings, the first week before reaching the Congaz Refugee Centre was particularly harsh. Moldova's proximity to Ukraine and the ease of continuing their children's education without a language barrier were crucial in their decision to seek refuge there.
Upon arriving at the Congaz Refugee Centre, the Froimciuk family found a new sanctuary. The transition was challenging, but Caritas Czech Republic provided a crucial lifeline. “We received financial assistance from Caritas Czech Republic, which we used to cover the school supplies for children. We also received vouchers for winter clothing. We are very grateful to Caritas Czech Republic for this support,“ Tatiana and Igori say.
Overcoming adversity as a family to ensure a brighter future
The children adapted quickly to their new schools, and the eldest, Elizaveta, set her sights on a new dream. Although she initially wanted to study architecture in Ukraine, she now hopes to pursue photography in Moldova, channeling her creativity into a new project.
Looking ahead, the Froimciuk family dreams of a stable future. “One day we hope to buy a house near the Diester river, where we can rebuild our lives and make new memories. But we know it is not possible now to make concrete plans,“ Tatiana says. Despite this, they remain hopeful, yet cautious, ready to adapt to whatever the future holds.
How Caritas Czech Republic supports refugees in Moldova
Caritas Czech Republic supports refugees from Ukraine since the outbreak of the war. In Moldova, we have equipped refugee accommodation centres and increased the medical and psychological service availability. We also support refugees financially and help them build a self-sufficient life.
Moreover, we offered prompt financial assistance to refugees, with a focus on vulnerable groups like single mothers, big families 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.
