Christmas and New Year at Licurici Theatre

On Monday, 28 December, the Charity Centre for Refugees organized a Christmas and New Year’s party with performance at the Puppet’ State Theatre “Licurici”.

Almost 300 children with parents were warmly welcomed by the Director of CCR, Mr. Djavid Paknehad, the Deputy Director of the Bureau for Migration, Mrs. Ecaterina Silvestru and the Head of UNHCR Mr. Traian Turcanu. Thereafter some characters, including Santa Claus, Snow Maiden and a funny elf, took the stage and involved the attending children in various games. The

Practical exercise in Ungheni

10 December 2015 a practical exercise took place in Ungheni to check the efficiency of Border Police representatives in case of a migrant, refugee immigration crisis. The simulation aimed to improve the professional skills, both theoretical and practical, in circumstances of a similar situation as the one faced by Europe in the recent months regarding the issue of migrants.

In the exercise were involved border guards, representatives of Civil Protection and Emergencies, the special National Army battalion "Fulger", the Bureau for Migration and Asylum, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Law Center of Advocates, the Charity Centre for Refugees and the Association “Ave Copiii”.

Excursion to Cricova

9 December was an excursion day to Cricova for a group of refugees. Charity Centre for Refugees supported by UNHCR Moldova organised a tour to one of the famous and popular tourist destinations in Moldova.

In a lively atmosphere the excursion was accompanied by a guide who explained the story of the winery along the centuries and it various functions in the Moldovan history. The tour also included the projection of a short movie promoting the image of Cricova’s winery. Refugees, EVS volunteers and staff went around the subterranean with a special train which added a special taste to the group trip being a special moment to share some time together in a relaxed way.

19th Winter Charity Bazaar

Sunday, 6 December took place an exclusive Christmas exhibition of handicrafts, souvenirs, traditional food, drinks, sweets and many other culinary goods within the 19th Winter Charity Bazaar organised by the International Women’s Club in Moldova.

The stalls of over 40 diplomatic missions attracted buyers with a variety of products that have not left anyone indifferent. Alongside the international representatives, Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR) also participated in the event as an implementing partner of UNHCR Moldova. The staff, EVS volunteers and some refugees helped to sell art crafts (Christmas cards, notebooks, trees, toys, etc.) handmade by refugees/asylum seekers all along the year in order to raise money for local charities.

Seminar on Human Trafficking

On 30 November, Charity Centre for Refugees hosted an informative session on risks and consequences of human trafficking organized by UNHCR Moldova.

Representatives of the Centre for Combating Human Trafficking (CCHT) and Border Police Department provided overall information on risks of trafficking, its consequences and the measures to be taken to deal with it.

UNHCR Moldova and its implementing partner CCR aimed at informing refugee community in Moldova about the dangers which may be provoked by violating human rights in this way. The meeting was also an occasion to share experience; indeed some of the refugees told to have been involved in human trafficking and asked support to the attending authorities.

Federica Pulcini – EVS volunteer from Italy at CCR

Meeting with UNHCR Regional Representative for Central Europe

UNHCR Regional Representative for Central Europe, Mrs. Montserrat Feixas Vihe, attended on 27 November, her first official visit to the UNHCR implementing partner Charity Center for Refugees (CCR) since the inclusion of the Republic of Moldova as part of UNHCR Regional Office of Central Europe.

UNHCR representatives were welcomed by CCR staff and a group of refugees, who after a short speech, were invited to ask questions. Main concerns raised among the attendances were the lack of medical and financial assistance. Participants asked for assistance to pay for university fees, receive support to find job opportunities and etc.

United Nations fair demonstrated progress towards achieving development goals in the Republic of Moldova

On the occasion of celebrating the 70^th United Nation’s (UN) anniversary, 24 October 2015, the UN and its partners in the Republic of Moldova organized an international fair at the National Library. During the day, the 300 visitors could obtain information about the on-going country programs, participate in knowledge-based competitions and meet with representatives from all the participating agencies.  In addition the visitors could enjoy various exhibitions, with photos and videos from most of the present organizations.

General meeting of UNHCR, BMA with refugees and asylum seekers

On 21 October 2015, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Moldova, the Bureau of Migration and Asylum (BMA) and UNHCR implementing partners met with persons of concern at the Bureau of Inter-ethnic Relations. All interested refugees and asylum seekers residing in the Republic of Moldova were invited to participate. 

FARE ACTION WEEK for union and diversity at CCR

On Saturday 17^th October 2015 the Charity Center for Refugees in collaboration with FARE Network (Football Against Racism in Europe), UNHCR Moldova and Football Association in Moldova organized a football tournament with the intent to send a strong signal against racism and xenophobia through sport.

In the late morning participants of the day arrived at CCR's office to take part in the round table. Refugees, asylum seekers, EVS volunteers and locals entertained a lively debate about the need to live in a multicultural and tolerant society with the representatives of UNHCR, Fatima NGO, European Delegation, the Moldovan Football Federation and CCR.

Workshop for FARE action weeks

On Saturday, 10 October 2015, Charity Center for Refugees organized a workshop in the framework of Football action weeks supported by FARE (Football against racism in Europe) including UNHCR Moldova and Football Association in Moldova.

In a pleasant atmosphere, refugees, volunteers and CCR's representatives spent the morning creating promotional material for the next week event – the football match planned on 17 October 2015.

Refugees and asylum seekers participated in excursion to ‘Orheiul Vechi’

On 19 September 2015, an excursion to Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi) for newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers was organized by the Charity Centre for Refugees in cooperation with UNHCR Moldova and the Ministry of Culture RM. The main objective of the trip was to familiarize persons of concern with historic and architectural complex, as well as to recount culture and fortunes of the people who used to reside in this part of Moldova.

UNHCR information session on human trafficking

On 11 September 2015, UNHCR Moldova alongside its implementing partner Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR) and Permanent Secretariat of the National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings organized information training on human trafficking. In this regard, UNHCR Moldova wanted to value the efforts and share the interest of RM in combating trafficking in human beings.

Closing ceremony of the Summer School

During the summer time, Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR) with the support of UNHCR organised enrichment activities for refugee/asylum seeking children two times per week Tuesday and Thursday. Refugee/asylum seeker children had Arabic lessons, art workshops (masks, paper-flowers, cards, puppet theater, clay animals, etc.), sports games and cinema.

All the efforts made by the children resulted in a feast on 25 August. The children showed the knowledge they learned during Arabic language classes, answering promptly to the brief quiz the

Refugee and asylum seeking Women's Club

On 3 August, Women’s Club started its activity and programme that aim to improve conditions and opportunities for refugee/asylum seeking women on their way to integration into Moldavian society.

In August, Club was open two times per week on Monday and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., for all interested women including young girls. Starting with the month of September, at the request of refugee women, the activities of the Club take place daily on Saturday.

Moldova's Independence and Language Day

Most holiday celebrations offer opportunities to reflect on the themes of the day, the passing of time – momentous events and regrets. Observing the Independence Day of the Republic of Moldova, provides the same opportunities. This day commemorates events of fighting for state, rights, language, law and most important independence. 27 August 1991 was a crucial moment for the Republic of Moldova adopting the Declaration of Independence from the Soviet Union. In this context, Moldavians also celebrate the Language day on 30 August, marking the fact that the independent state returned back its official language.

UNHCR visit to Razeni and Mereni

19 August 2015, the Head of UNHCR office in Moldova, Mr. Traian Turcanu accompanied by the Deputy Director of the Bureau for Migration, Mrs. Ecaterina Silvestru and implementing partners paid a visit to Razeni and Mereni villages. It was a familiarization visit for the new Head of UNHCR to meet eight refugee families hosted by Moldavian communities since 2011. The visit was monitored by Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR).

Summer School for refugee/asylum seeker children

On 21 July 2015, Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR) gave start to the Summer School for refugee/asylum seekers children. The courses are designed around fun stories, games and creative activities that inspire children to improve their language skills and build their confidence.

Summer School takes place from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday on the CCR premises. During these days, children are having Arabic lessons taught by a refugee from Iraq. With the help of EVS volunteers and CCR representatives, refugee/asylum seeker children are having art lessons, playing sport games or watching cartoons.

World Refugee Day celebrates tolerance and diversity

Every year, on 20 June, many countries of the world celebrate the World Refugee Day. The main purpose of the festivity is to raise awareness among public opinion about general conditions of refugees.

Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR) like thousands of other NGOs around the world set up various initiatives to bring society’ attention on the 60 millions of people forced to flee their country leaving behind house, loved ones, land and, more in general, their world.

Marathon in Valea Morilor Park

On June 7^th, Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR), its EVS volunteers and refugee community took part in the marathon, alongside its supporting organization UNHCR Moldova. It was a sport event dedicated to the World Refugee Day and organized by the Ultra runners Association of Moldova in collaboration with CCR.

The green and lively Park ‘Valea Morilor’ hosted the event and offered to the participants an enjoyable place to run and friendly compete for the cup.

The golden trophy went to a refugee from Mali, naturally gifted for running, while all the others 30 refugees/asylum seekers received a participation medal also valuable as a nice souvenir of the day.

International Children’s Day at the Zoo

On June 1^st, Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR) invited refugee families to take part in a pleasant celebration - International Children’s Day at the ZOO park in Chisinau.

Following the annual tradition, CCR supported the Municipal Directorate for Children’s Rights’ Protection in organizing a joyful celebration for children by donating 1132 ice creams. As a sign of gratitude, CCR received 100 entrance tickets for refugee/asylum seeker families. 

Opening of the sport season in Razeni

On Sunday, May 31^st, Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR) and two EVS volunteers participated in the celebration for the beginning of the sporting season in Razeni village.

During the lively event, various groups of sporty people confronted on different fields: volleyball, football, roman fight/wrestling and others sporty disciplines while music and summer weather livened up the event.

Volleyball and Pizza at TAC

On Friday, May 15^th, the Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR) organized a joyful happening for the refugees and the asylum seekers hosted at the Temporary Accommodation Centre (TAC).

The activities started at 11 o'clock with a Pizza Workshop organized by the EVS volunteers' team. The process of cooking, structured in several creative tasks, has seen the enthusiastic involvement of UNHCR persons of concern who, helping the effort of the Italian-leaded volunteers' team, prepared really tasty pizzas. The refugees and asylum seekers' community, together with the EVS volunteers, enjoyed then the results of their

Chisinau celebrates Europe Day

On May 10^th, in Chisinau was organised a colourful event in order to celebrate Europe Day. Several thousands people, Moldavian and international, gathered in the Central Square (Piaţa Marii Adunări Naţionale) and joyfully enjoyed the rich program.

UNHCR Moldova, together with its implementing partners, Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR) and Ave Copiii took part in the event, presenting, along with the other international organizations in Moldova, its activities in helping the refugees and asylum seekers' community.

Easter warmly hugged refugees

On April 15^th, Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR), an implementing partner of UNHCR Moldova, organized a joyful happening to celebrate Easter together with the refugees' community.

Despite their heterogeneous religious backgrounds, refugees and asylum seekers enjoyed the wishes of the priest Constantin Cojocaru who came back, for the second year in a raw, through the collaboration of CCR and Metropolis of Moldova, to delight the beneficiaries and their families with wishes and prays. The celebration was attended also by the Representative of UNHCR Moldova, Mr. Traian Turcanu, who, together with the Director of CCR, Mr. Djavid Paknehad, renovate his greetings for a happy and overjoyed Easter.

CONCURS DE DESENE, POSTERE, FOTOGRAFII ŞI SPOTURI VIDEO cu ocazia Zilei Mondiale a Refugiaţilor 2015

UNHCR oferă protecţie persoanelor forţate să-şi abandoneze casele, salvează vieţi, restabileşte drepturi şi găseşte soluţii pentru un viitor mai bun.

Agenţia ONU pentru Refugiaţi în Moldova (UNHCR) invită tinerii (elevi şi studenţi), să creeze una ori mai multe din lucrările enumerate: desen, poster, foto, video spot la tema:

 Familii distruse de război.

 (Impactul războiului asupra familiilor)

    ·         DESEN/Poster

Formatul să nu depășească marimea A2.

A friendly ping-pong tournament

On March 21^st, Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR) organized a sport event and invited UNHCR persons of concern for a friendly ping pong competition.

Participants, including also some EVS and local volunteers showed an intense sporty competitiveness, being really concentrated and motivated to show their abilities with the racket during the ping-pong game.

Around 22 players confronted on the ping pong table under the supervision of a really enthusiastic team of referees and after 3 rounds the best 3 competitors were fighting for the podium.

Women's Day at CCR

As a tradition, on March 6^th,  the Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR) organized, for its guests, a nice celebration for Women’s day.

The event started with a speech of the CCR Director, Mr. Djavid Paknehad, who congratulated all the participants and remembered the importance of the celebration’s meaning. Then, other guests took the opportunity of sharing few thoughts with the audience, wishing women to receive peace from their men instead of expensive gifts.

Martişor at CCR

On Saturday, February 21st, the Charity Center for Refugees celebrated with refugee community  the  Moldavian tradition of  Martişor.

The Martişor celebration started with a presentation which gave a perspective about the history and the folklore of this cultural event and about its meaning in the Moldovan culture. Refugees and the asylum seekers attending the event had the opportunity to get further information about the tradition of Martişor which, in Moldova, is meant to welcome the spring. Small symbolic decorations are exchanged and given to friends and beloved in order to wish them good things for the coming season.

Italian Pizza for multicultural tastes!

On November 29^th, the Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR) organized a gastronomic event at the Temporary Accommodation Centre. The EVS volunteers, currently working at the CCR, invited the refugees and the asylum seekers, hosted at the TAC, to a Pizza Workshop.

On Friday evening, following the secret of the original Italian recipe, refugees and volunteers prepared a soft and delicious homemade dough which had been let it rest over the night. On Saturday morning, the participants started to prepare, with original Italian ingredients, the toppings (tomatoes sauce, cheese, vegetables) which have then enriched the flavour of the dough. Then, the ovens were turned on and everyone impatiently awaited the result of the work. Pizza surprised everyone's taste and, moreover, it created a collective process able to involve all the participants in a joyful and collaborative environment. At the end, refugees, asylum seekers and volunteers went home not only delighted by the taste of the pizza but also happy of the idea of having worked together and created something that was shared with everyone else.