Easter filled refugees' and asylum seekers' souls with joy and peace

           On the 20^th April 2014, Catholic and Orthodox believers celebrated together one of their most important religious events of the year – the Easter holiday. To commemorate this occasion the Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR), in collaboration with the Metropolis of Moldova, organised an exciting and enlightening event for its partners, guests, refugees and asylum seekers.

      The Easter celebration began with a formal welcome; the CCR Director, Mr. Djavid Paknehad and the UNHCR Programme Officer, Mr. Dinu Lipcanu, wished all attendees peace, joy and cheer. The event proceeded with presentations by CCR staff and volunteers about Moldovan Easter traditions. After, refugees and asylum seekers took part in a short quiz. Correct answers were rewarded with small gifts - hence why many children were active and willing to participate in the contest! But the most special part of the event was the speech from the priest, Father Constantin, designated by the Metropolis of Moldova.  He talked about the spirit of the Easter celebration and Christian values,​​ with refugees and asylum seekers having the opportunity to ask him lots of different questions.  The discussion touched upon various aspects - the Christ’s Resurrection, Easter traditions, the meaning of Lent, the Holy Fire and many other topics related to Christianity. Moreover, Father Constantin told the story that 12 years ago, when he was a student at the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the Moldova State University, he had had the possibility to visit the Charity Centre for Refugees and participate in an event as a translator for refugees and asylum seekers. Father Constantin was very glad to remember that memory, but was even prouder now to be celebrating Easter with the refugees and asylum seekers in his present capacity as a priest.  

Ecological Action at the Temporary Accommodation Centre

On 5^th of April 2014, the Bureau for Migration and Asylum organised Ecological action for refugees and asylum seekers who live at the Temporary Accommodation Centre. All residents and administrators of the Centre gathered to demonstrate that they care about the place they live in. Thus, the whole area of the TAC was cleaned. Refugees and asylum seekers painted the walls, cared for plants, cleaned the playground for children.

In the framework of partnership with the Bureau for Migration and Asylum, the Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR), an implementing partner of UNHCR Moldova, also joined this civic action. After the hard work was finished, the CCR offered to all participants some traditional Moldovan placinte, fruits and sweets as a reward for their efforts. During the meal, residents and guests discussed daily life, state language classes, employment, films, sports, etc. 

Memorandum of Agreement with the Bureau for Migration and Asylum of the Republic of Moldova

Since 2003, the Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR), an implementing partner of  UNHCR Moldova, has maintained good partnership with the Bureau for Migration and Asylum (BMA) of the Republic of Moldova. In terms of this collaboration, the CCR has provided cultural, social and moral support to the residents of the Temporary Accommodation Centre.

On 18th of March 2014, the General Director of the Bureau for Migration and Asylum, Ms. Olga Poalelungi and the CCR Director, Mr. Djavid Paknehad strengthened this partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement, which foresees the present and future activities of the CCR at the Temporary Accommodation Centre. The document is valid for three years and can be extended upon the request of the parties.

Cinema for refugees, asylum seekers and local community at the TAC and CCR

The Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR), an implementing partner of the UNHCR Moldova, provides different support to refugees, asylum seekers and beneficiaries of humanitarian protection by promoting anti-discrimination and tolerance towards them, raising awareness, organizing cultural events, etc. One of the CCR’s objectives is to facilitate integration of the asylum seekers and refugees into the local society by raising awareness. Thus, on 29th of March 2014, the CCR presented two films about Chisinau - the capital of Moldova: "Chisinau in epoca moderna” and “Chisinau-capitala Europeana” to the residents of the Temporary Accommodation Centre (TAC). The purpose was to acquaint beneficiaries with the town they live in and introduce the most remarkable places of Chisinau.

         On 31^st of March 2014, the CCR received an audience of more than 90 children from the kindergarten, who enjoyed watching the American cartoons “Tom and Jerry” and the Russian cartoons “Nu Pagadi”.  The main idea was to familiarize little children with the community of refugees and asylum seekers, which subsequently will help to increase tolerance and anti-discrimination towards this vulnerable group of people.

International Day of Nowruz at the Charity Centre for Refugees in the Republic of Moldova in 2014

     One of the oldest Persian traditions that reached us from time immemorial is celebration of Nowruz-Persian New Year. In harmony with the rebirth of nature, Nowruz begins on the spring equinox, i.e. on 20th or 21st of March, when day and night are nearly equal. During this spring day, millions of people from Central Asia is preparing for the most important and most colourful event – the New Year celebration.

       To maintain the annual tradition of Nowruz celebration, the Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR), an implementing partner of the UNHCR Moldova, organised a memorable and enjoyable event for its guests, refugees and asylum seekers. The participants were able to admire the traditional Nowruz table of seven S’s - Haft Sîn, to be a part of the entertainment programme and taste traditional Nowruz food.

       The celebration of Persian New Year took place on 21st of March at the Charity Centre for Refugees. On this occasion, in the entrance hall of the office, the CCR staff laid a table with seven elements - Haft Sîn and exhibited flags of the countries where Nowruz is widely celebrated. The New Year table included crushed spice of berries (sumac) – symbol of the sunrise, sweet dry fruits (senjed) which represent love and affection, vinegar (serkeh) – patience and age, apples (seeb) – health and beauty, garlic (sir) – good health. Furthermore, it was placed a mirror on the table to symbolise reflection of the past year, coins for prosperity in the New Year, flowers to symbolise spring and candles for light and happiness.