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In December 2021, 3,871 parcels were transported by train from Switzerland to Moldova. They were delivered in January to children in various children's homes and families living in the poorest conditions. Two staff members from ADRA Switzerland were present at the distribution of the parcels, which was organized by the partner relief organization ADRA Moldova, writes the Adventist Development and Disaster Relief (ADRA) Switzerland.

"In the children's home, which is run by ADRA in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, around 25 children live [there] for six to twelve months at a time. Great efforts are made here to reintegrate the children into their families or with relatives," explains Leiza Augsburger, project manager at ADRA Switzerland. "Many of the children here are traumatized and urgently need psychological help. Unfortunately, this is not [currently] possible because the position is [vacant] at the moment." There is a lack of appropriate professionals, as many well-educated adults are still migrating abroad, Augsburger explained.

ADRA has developed a project for vulnerable families

This migration often leaves children alone with their mothers or grandparents and with hardly any means to survive, ADRA reports. For this reason, the relief agency has developed a project for vulnerable families, in which the families are also looked after during the year, thus ensuring that the children can stay with their families. Catherine Schmid, head of finance at ADRA Switzerland, explains: "This project shows [potentially] how families can help themselves in some areas, for example by growing vegetables in their own gardens. Often the gardens lie fallow, and this potential is not used. This, along with other initiatives, should be changed with the help of this project."

Great need for help

Due to governmental financial cuts, more and more children's homes in Moldova are being closed down, according to ADRA, and the children are left to fend for themselves. In order for ADRA's children's home to continue to exist, not only is financial help needed, but it also needs staff support.

Call for internship in Moldovan children's home

ADRA Switzerland is calling on young people from Switzerland, Austria, or Germany to complete a social internship at the ADRA children's home in Chisinau and thus actively support the children and helpers for a few months. The only prerequisite is that you speak Russian or Romanian in order to be able to communicate on site.

Many thanks for donations

"The work of ADRA Moldova continues and the need for help and support is still great. We thank all donors for their generous support of this project," said ADRA Switzerland.

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