Refugee from Ukraine has success story in Stefan Voda district of Moldova

Three years after the start of the war in Ukraine, Olena says she is disoriented by the news from home, but tries to enjoy each day.

“My life changed radically when the war started. Just like that, in an instant, to take a suitcase and leave and leave everything behind. I had two jobs, which I cared about a lot, an apartment, family, friends. I had all these and they all ended in the winter of 2022,” recounts Olena, who took refuge three years ago in Moldova, in her husband's native village, Volintiri, Stefan Voda district.

She sadly and painfully remembers the day it all began. “At 5:00 AM, I woke up to go to work, looked at the news on my phone and found out the war had started. I took my mother, cat, dog and suitcases and walked, got off the bus and was walking to the border crossing point [with Moldova]... There was such a state of fear, panic,” she said.

Though it was hard at first for her to adapt to the new realities, Olena did not give up. With the support of the European Union and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), she took Romanian language courses and sought job opportunities.

Thus, Olena opened a hair salon and became one of the first residents of the Business Center in Volintiri, opened in November 2024, also with the support of the European Union and the UNDP.

Three years after the start of the war in Ukraine, Olena says she is disoriented by the news from home, but tries to enjoy each day.

“My friends tell me that I have to live here and now. I couldn't believe this was happening. In fact, I thought it would all end quickly, I couldn't believe it would last for years already. And that I wouldn't return to work, I wouldn't go back home, and I would end up living here. I don't know, until now, I remember with pain. I want the war to finish quickly and for everyone who wants to return home,” confesses the woman.

A tailoring workshop, beauty salon, and physiotherapy office are three small businesses operating within the Business Center in the village of Volintiri, Stefan Voda district. With the support of the European Initiative “Mayors for Economic Growth” (M4EG), implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Moldova, the business center building was renovated and inaugurated at the end of November 2024.

The roof was repaired, the exterior walls were set, and a heating system was installed. Thus, small entrepreneurs from the Stefan Voda district, including refugees from Ukraine, have access to dedicated workspaces to develop their businesses long-term in Volintiri, thereby contributing to local economic development and strengthening social cohesion.

“This Business Center aims to become a prosperous hub for small, community-needed businesses, transforming the village of Volintiri into a resilient economic community, which will lead to an improved quality of life for residents and ensure inclusion and equitable access to essential resources and services for everybody. This is a valuable example of how a town hall can collaborate with various partners for a common goal,” said Andrei Darie, program specialist at UNDP Moldova.

The Business Center in Volintiri is one of the five winning projects selected through the crisis response program for M4EG members, with a total value of 387,000 euros, to support settlements hosting Ukrainian refugees. Volintiri benefited from a grant of about 49,000 euros.

Contacted by MOLDPRES, Volintiri's mayor, Igor Hîncu, said that it was a modern space dedicated to entrepreneurs, for locals and residents of neighboring villages.

“The contribution of partners has been quite substantial and helpful - European Union (Mayors for Economic Growth Initiative (M4EG)): 49,000 euros; Potlogi Town Hall in Dâmbovița County (Romania): 50,000 RON (approx. 10,000 euros); Simion Ceapchi Charity Foundation: 180,000 lei; Volintiri Town Hall: 105,000 lei; Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova through the Local Action Group (GAL) Drumul Kizilului: 59,600 lei; We thank donors for their contribution to the development of Volintiri village,” Igor Hîncu noted.

The Mayors for Economic Growth initiative, second phase (2021-2024), aims for inclusive economic growth and job creation by supporting local authorities in the Eastern Partnership countries.

Correspondent: Lilia Grubii