Ukrainian refugees in Moldova find refuge through art and colour
Ukrainian refugees settled in Moldova are painting a colorful picture of independence.
They recently attended a painting therapy workshop where they used canvases to express their view of their host country. For many, Moldova has become a second home. They are now legal residents and have big plans for the future.
"Together with citizens from Ukraine, Syria, and Moldovans, we chose national Moldovan motifs. The paintings are also a symbolic reminder of the country," said painter Veronica Ternavschi.
For most of the refugees, it was their first time attending a workshop like this. Yulia, who used to work at a commercial bank in Odesa, was forced to flee her country due to Russia's war in Ukraine. While searching for a new job, she still finds time to attend the workshops and is also taking Romanian language classes.
"For everyone here, it's something deeply personal. The atmosphere is relaxing and it inspires you to move forward," said Yulia Chirilova, a refugee from Ukraine.
"I love Moldova very much. I was born here, but unfortunately, I never got to live here. I've only been here for the past four years. Today, art brings us together," a quote by an unnamed participant.
"This activity inspires us, relaxes us, and distracts us from our worries. You need to find time for creativity, for dreams, and for belief in the future," said Elena Lutsenko, a refugee from Ukraine.
The idea to organize this workshop belongs to a Ukrainian refugee who is a psychologist by profession. She used to organize similar gatherings in her home country.
According to the Refugee Charity Center, more than 120,000 Ukrainian citizens are temporarily settled in Moldova, while around 900 people from other countries have applied for asylum or humanitarian protection.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
