Every child is protected in Moldova

     Every Child is Protected in Moldova is a child-focused protection and inclusion initiative implemented by NCUM in partnership with UNICEF. Launched in 2023 in response to the war in Ukraine and the resulting displacement, the project supports refugee children from Ukraine and vulnerable children in Moldova by improving their access to education, healthcare, social protection, child protection, and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention services. The project also plays a central role in fostering community inclusion and social cohesion between displaced and host populations, contributing to a more integrated and responsive child protection environment in Moldova.

     In 2024, the project expanded its reach and achieved tangible results by focusing on access to essential services, GBV prevention, and the promotion of social cohesion. A combined online and offline outreach strategy enabled the project to reach over 1.16 million individuals, while more than 5,200 children and 700 adults participated directly in inclusive, community-based activities. To facilitate access to services, NCUM conducted targeted information sessions, both in-person and online, featuring qualified experts in child protection, education, health, and social services. The team organized outreach events and workshops across Moldova, including at the Ukrainian House in Chișinău, to promote inclusion and mutual understanding among refugee and Moldovan children and families. The project was supported by social listening and community feedback mechanisms, which ensured that refugee voices were central to planning and service referral processes. By delivering reliable information, enabling responsive service referrals, and creating shared spaces for children and families, the project strengthened trust in institutions and contributed to Moldova’s broader efforts to support displaced populations and promote durable integration outcomes.

     The project was implemented in close cooperation with Moldovan national authorities, including the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. These strategic partnerships helped align project activities with national systems and policies, supporting both immediate humanitarian assistance and the development of durable solutions for refugee integration. NCUM coordinated with a broad network of national and local NGOs, whose expertise in child protection, legal aid, health services, and psychosocial support ensured that services were comprehensive and context-specific. While implementing partners delivered core services, NCUM led outreach and communication efforts, fostering direct engagement with affected communities and reinforcing feedback mechanisms. This multi-sectoral model enabled the project to reduce access barriers, respond to real-time needs, and promote sustainability of services for both refugee and host communities.

     A defining element of the project was its commitment to participatory and inclusive programming. In 2024, NCUM established structured feedback and accountability mechanisms to ensure meaningful two-way communication with refugee and vulnerable community members. Eighteen thematic surveys and four social listening reports were produced, drawing on feedback from 510 survey respondents and over 2,800 comments collected through 46 monitored social media channels. Social cohesion was advanced through 9 large-scale outreach events and 15 community-based workshops held across Moldova.

     These events brought together children and families from both refugee and host communities, offering shared spaces for cultural exchange, creative engagement, and dialogue. Activities ranged from sports tournaments and art masterclasses to educational fairs and thematic celebrations. By embedding participation and social interaction into the project’s core activities, Every Child is Protected in Moldova helped build mutual trust, reduce social divides, and lay a foundation for long-term integration and resilience.