“Leaving was the hardest choice we ever made, but we did it mostly for the children,” Halyna told us – her family’s move was focused on ensuring the kids’ safety and future. “Our friends in Moldova helped us at first, letting us stay in their apartment. They welcomed us without hesitation, and thanks to them, we could take our first steps here.” Soon after, they managed to find an apartment of their own, and Halyna’s children were quickly enrolled in local schools while her eldest daughter began university studies.
Adjusting to life as a displaced family from Ukraine has been both challenging and humbling. Halyna works part-time, balancing her job with Romanian language and other part-time courses. Yet despite her efforts, the financial strain remains heavy. “It’s difficult to find a job that covers all the needs, food, medical services. Without a stable job and home, you’re constantly worried about making ends meet,” she says. In this challenging journey, humanitarian organisations have become a safety net.