Since March 2022, Acted has been supporting Ukrainian refugees and vulnerable Moldovan households, focusing on both immediate needs and long-term socio-economic resilience.
Through the EU-funded PLACE Consortium, Acted delivers coordinated, essential services across the country, improving families’ living conditions and restoring a sense of stability in their daily lives, notably through Protection Case Management and cash-for-protection
*Elena clearly remembers the moment she understood how important external support can be.
Nearly two years ago, Elena became solely responsible for her three children in a rural part of the North of Moldova. Since then, she has been trying to gain financial independence and rebuild stability for her family. During this period, her son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, adding further responsibilities within already challenging circumstances.
I am a single mother of three children. When I was married, I did not work, and when I was left on my own, I realised that I had to rebuild my life - to work, to move forward, and to find stability. At that moment, it was very difficult, and in such situations, you need support to guide and help you.
Her first step to financial stability was enrolling in free manicure courses offered by a local organisation in a nearby town, travelling regularly to attend the training.
This local civil society organisation, already familiar with Acted through previous projects, reached out to one of its staff members regarding Elena’s situation. This led to her referral to an Acted Protection Caseworker Consortium, a meeting that supported her in rebuilding stability and feeling “secure and settled.”
Elena’s path to stability: caring, studying, rebuilding
Several times a week, Elena travelled to Bălți to continue her studies, while continuing to care for her children and manage daily responsibilities at home. Thanks to the cash-for-protection provided by Acted, she was able to continue attending her training.
The financial support I received was for transportation, as I was studying in Bălți and attending additional courses in cosmetology.
During the Protection Case Management process, the situation of the beneficiary is assessed comprehensively, to create an action plan. As part of this process, beneficiaries may be referred to specialised services through the EU-funded PLACE Consortium’s coordinated referral system. Consortium partners can provide complementary support, including medical assistance through INTERSOS, legal assistance through Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and psychosocial and child protection support through People in Need (PIN). As part of her personalized action plan, Elena was connected to the Consortium’s health partner, INTERSOS.
I received a glucose meter for my son, along with all the essential supplies for managing diabetes
Elena remained in regular contact with Acted’s Protection Caseworker. Through coordination with local civil society organisations and other international actors, she was also referred to additional forms of support and received school supplies and clothing for her children.
Today, Elena feels more confident about her future. Guided by Acted’s Protection Caseworker, she completed her cosmetology training and plans to pursue further courses. She now seeks support opportunities independently, rebuilding her stability and creating new professional prospects.
I received significant support that helped me cope and find my way again.
PLACE II is an EU-funded Consortium, implemented by Acted, INTERSOS, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), People in Need (PIN), and IMPACT Initiatives, working together to support refugees and vulnerable communities, including the Roma community, in Moldova.
*Name has been changed to protect individual privacy.