A young woman in Moldova is turning skills training into a career in renewable energy, as an ILO project funded by Liechtenstein and Austria helps modernize vocational education and prepare a new generation of workers for the country’s green transition.Just a few years ago, Ariadna Pralea had a very different career in mind. If asked what she wanted to become, her answer was always the same: a lawyer.Today, the young student from Chișinău is preparing for a career in renewable energy, as part of a new generation of skilled professionals supporting Moldova’s transition to a greener economy.Ariadna is studying to become a Technician for Renewable Energy Generation Systems at the Centre of Excellence in Energy and Electronics. Her choice was not part of a long-term plan. While exploring educational opportunities online, she discovered the Centre’s renewable energy programme and became increasingly interested in the field.The more I learned about green energy, the more interested I became.Ariadna Pralea, Student Technician for Renewable Energy Generation Systems at the Centre of Excellence in Energy and Electronics in Chișinău, Moldova“I was attracted by the idea of a modern and meaningful profession,” she recalled. “The more I learned about green energy, the more interested I became.”What appealed to her most was the opportunity to contribute to environmental protection while building a rewarding career.Starting her studies was both exciting and challenging. The technical terminology, equipment and laboratory work were all new. Over time, however, these challenges became some of the most rewarding aspects of her education.“The practical part is what I enjoy most,” she said. Through hands-on learning, students work with real equipment and develop skills directly relevant to the labour market. Ariadna has gained confidence while strengthening her technical and problem-solving skills.The only girl in her classPeople in Moldova often question whether a technical profession is the right choice for a young woman. Ariadna herself wondered how she would fit into a class made up entirely of boys. Those doubts quickly disappeared.“The fact that I am the only girl in the class has never been an obstacle for me,” she said. “On the contrary, it motivated me to prove that technical fields are for anyone who is willing to learn and work hard.”Her commitment has impressed her teachers.“She stands out for her sense of responsibility, eagerness to learn and involvement in practical activities,” said her homeroom teacher, Oleg Chitoroagă. “She is proof that motivation and dedication are more important than any prejudice related to choosing a profession.”Training for tomorrow's green jobsAriadna’s experience reflects wider efforts to prepare Moldova’s workforce for the green transition. The Centre of Excellence in Energy and Electronics is among the institutions benefiting from the ILO-implemented project Skills for an Environmentally Sustainable Transition in Moldova, funded by the Austrian Development Agency and the Liechtenstein Development Service.Running from 2023 to 2026, the project supports the modernization of Moldova’s TVET system by developing new qualifications, updating curricula, strengthening teaching capacities and aligning training with the needs of the renewable energy sector. It also promotes career guidance and awareness-raising activities to encourage more girls and young women to consider technical and green occupations.Ariadna is benefiting from an improved learning environment designed to equip students with skills demanded by a growing green economy.Her story also highlights a broader challenge. Women remain underrepresented in many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and energy-related professions, often because of persistent stereotypes about suitable careers for men and women. Through this development cooperation project, the ILO also promotes more gender-inclusive access to these occupations, recognizing that a just transition requires the participation of everyone.As Moldova advances its green transition and sustainable development ambitions, demand for workers with green skills is expected to continue growing. For Ariadna, this means a future full of opportunities.She hopes her experience will inspire other girls to explore careers in energy, engineering and technology. Her message is simple: “Do not let stereotypes define your future!”

Soroca lies in the north of Moldova, stretched along the Nistru River. From certain points in the city, you can look across the water and into Ukraine. In a calm area at the edge of the town the door of a small library opens and a woman step outside and waves us in.Raisa is a 49-year-old woman with a warm laugh, a pair of blue-green eyes that meet yours with full attention and a calm presence. She is from Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine, where she was a logistics and track-maintenance specialist at the Ukrainian railway, commuting 120 kilometres a day between her home in Bashtanka and her job in Mykolaiv. Today she is not only the person everyone calls when they need help, but also the founder of the NGO Union of Ukrainian Women, one of the initiators of the UNHCR supported Refugee Council in Soroca, and a integration mediator at the woman Refugee-led organisation Female Support Force.
Like the library we are meeting in, Raisa carry more than what is visible from the outside. Her stories, memories, knowledge and experiences has travelled with her and in many ways her journey challenges common assumptions about displacement. Her story is not only about receiving support but also about creating it, and how displacement continues to shape a person's life long after the initial upheaval has passed.The flight from MykolaivWhen the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, her district fell under occupation and for three weeks, her family lived under bombardment. “It’s painful to talk about those weeks which felt like a whole life passing”, Raisa say's. “We were in a hot spot, all these bombings. I can't believe that in the 21st century, in the middle of Europe, such a thing can happen”.Raisa is the mother of nine. Five of her children are independent and are still living in Ukraine, her four youngest children crossed into Moldova looking for safety with her back in 2022. Upon arrival, they were hosted in the house of family friends that stood empty in Soroca. “Like many who fled, we expected the displacement to be short”, she says.
Instead, Moldova became the place where they had to start all over again.
“We thought it would be a week. Two. A month at most. We were fleeing. The children were under enormous stress. The first month we arrived here in Soroca, we had to get used to the silence again. And to go to bed without being fully dressed in case of an attack”The small local library that we are meeting her in and where she now volunteers, became a new starting point.“The library and the people here, were one of the first spaces in Soroca that opened their doors and supported Ukrainian refugees like us. Now it’s a gathering point for Ukrainian refugees, local families, older neighbours, Roma women and children”.From railway worker to community builderMost of Raisa’s time before the full-scale invasion was divided between work, long commutes, and family responsibilities. There was little space for public engagement or volunteering. After fleeing Ukraine and settling in Soroca, she found herself with something unfamiliar: time. No commute. No job. No structure. And emptiness.“I had to emotionally pull myself out,” she says. “And I needed to pull the children out.”

She began reaching out to both Ukrainians and local residents. As with many people who arrive in a new country, Ukrainians often seek out those who share their language and experiences. What started as informal conversations gradually developed into an initiative group of Ukrainians in Soroca.However, she soon realized that an informal group was not enough to effectively engage with local authorities and institutions. To provide refugees with a stronger and more recognized voice, she established the Union of Ukrainian Women. The organization connects refugee families with local authorities, NGOs, and service providers, helping them access support and become more integrated into the local community.As an example of her engagement, Raisa mentions her work with raising awareness about gender-based and domestic violence and supporting survivors in her community. Inspired by conversations with her daughter following a community event during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, she became increasingly involved in encouraging others to seek support and speak out against abuse. Although she has no formal legal background, she has actively engaged with the police, department of education, the social services and community members to help break down the stigma and silence surrounding domestic violence.“The greatest barrier is not law, but shame. Disgrace and shame are not about you. Forget these words. They have nothing to do with you. Disgrace and shame are what is done to you. Even worse than shame is to endure. It’s shameful to be silent. And it's very difficult to teach people this, because it happens generation after generation.”She plays a central role for the community also through her activity with UNHCR’s supported network of Refugee Councils, and in particular with the one in Soroca. The Refugee Councils are consultative bodies working to improve dialogue between refugee communities and local government. “This is not about representation for its own sake, but about inclusion in decisions that directly affect people’s daily lives”. Members of this community know better what their interests are, what they specifically need and how”.She notes that progress has been possible where persistence and cooperation meet. Over time, her work has also helped building trust between refugee communities and local actors.Despite having become a well-known figure within the community, Raisa does not view herself as a leader. She sees herself as an active community member who enjoys bringing people together and supporting those around her. Helping others gives her a sense of purpose and energy and motivates her to continue her work.Community as everyday supportRaisa’s engagement in Soroca did not emerge in a vacuum and her understanding of community long predates displacement. In Ukraine, before the full-scale invasion, her home was already a gathering place. Children from the neighbourhood spent time there. Some came to play, while others came from challenging family situations, where parents were often absent or struggling with personal difficulties. Raisa talks about it not as an effort or responsibility, but as a natural way of living. “With a large family of my own, it was often easier to bring people in than to go elsewhere”. Her whole life was like that, “Some of those children called me their second mother”.

For Raisa, community is necessary, a way of coping with uncertainty and loss, and a way to prevent isolation, which in her view is one of the most damaging consequences of forced displacement.“Community is a source of strength, a source of life. It is impossible to live separately from each other, because you cannot survive that way.”The small library in Soroca, is one of the places where this understanding has translated into a tangible reality that Raisa is a part of. Today it’s an inclusive and safe space with a simple but powerful vision. “It is a place that does not require explanation or that defines you by your passport or status. Where you can speak your language. Be silent. Sing. Make something with your hands. Or just exist”.“The more time that passes, the more I feel like a refugee”With the war continuing and months turning into years, displacement does not become easier with time. While children tend to adapt easier to new schools and routines, adults and especially older people often struggle more and feel more like a refugee for each day that is passing. The word ‘refugee’ is associated with pain and rejection for Raisa. To her it means being torn from her home, torn from her life. And each passing day means more distancing from her home in Mykolaiv.“The early phase of displacement was, paradoxically, easier. Hope was intact. Now, after more than three years, as the prospect of return becomes less certain, hope is fading. The more hope fades, the more people need help and support. Mental health is as important as physical health. “And without community, people break.”“I am your home”Although the occasion was not one she would have chosen, Raisa says that the displacement has made her discover new sides of herself. “I have realized that I love to explore the world and to travel. Before I didn't even think that I was able to get up and leave, that I could start over, change locations, change the picture. And I like that. Today, I’m convinced that I am a very strong person, and I have a core that cannot be broken by war, by relocation, by anything”Everything changed for Raisa. She got to know herself and she got to know her children from a different side. Raisa says her children are what keeps her grounded.” I realized that I raised some very complete and conscious personalities. My biggest recognition is when my children tell me: ‘Mom, I want to be like you.’” She pauses, then adds: “I always tell them: ‘I am your home. Let the whole world be against you, I will always be with you. Whatever you do, whatever happens in life, you are always needed.’”In a town close enough to see Ukraine across the river, Raisa has built something that doesn’t depend on borders or timelines. Something shaped by community, presence and belonging.
In many ways the library has become a fitting reflection of Raisa's own journey. It is a place where stories, experiences and people come together; where knowledge is shared, connections are formed, and new chapters can begin.“If I have to start life again,” she says, “I will. And I will help others do the same.”

Raisa is a Ukrainian refugee living in Soroca, Moldova, with four of her nine children. She arrived on 21 March 2022 from Mykolaiv oblast, having spent approximately three weeks under Russian occupation. She is the founder of the Union of Ukrainian Women and is together with UNHCR currently establishing a Refugee Council in Soroca. She received multi-purpose cash assistance from UNHCR.Interview conducted and written by Hanne Heidinger, Norwegian JPO with UNHCR Moldova, April 2026, Soroca, Moldova. Translated from Russian.

Today, Emilia is five months old, and breastfeeding has become the experience Irina had hoped for: a time of closeness and connection with her daughter.The first few weeks, however, were a period of adjustment and learning. Irina was recovering from an emergency caesarean section, while she and Nicolai were gradually discovering the rhythm and needs of their newborn baby.On the mornings following nights with very little sleep, they reminded themselves that they did not need to find all the answers immediately. What mattered was staying together and beginning each new day as a team.„Perhaps that was what mattered most: for her to know that she was not alone when she reached the point of complete exhaustion”, Nicolai recalls.Their family’s experience shows that a healthy start does not depend solely on the mother’s determination and effort. The support of her partner and family, access to qualified counselling and the availability of health services that accompany mothers before and after childbirth all matter.These forms of support, which we know are effective and need to be strengthened, are at the heart of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme: “Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthening what works.”When knowledge meets realityBefore becoming a mother, Irina Loghin was very familiar with the recommendations on breastfeeding and infant nutrition. As a UNICEF Health Officer whose responsibilities also include nutrition, she had organized training sessions and activities dedicated to the subject.Irina in the breastfeeding room in the town of Vulcănești, opened by UNICEF with financial support from the Government of Norway.After Emilia was born, however, she discovered the difference between knowing the recommendations and applying them at a time when the body, emotions and entire rhythm of life are undergoing major changes.„Probably the most important lesson I have learned since becoming a mother is that ‘knowing the path’ and ‘walking the path’ are two completely different things”, Irina says.The birth did not go as the family had planned. An emergency caesarean section was required, followed by a period of recovery. At the same time, the beginning of breastfeeding involved discomfort, practical difficulties and a great deal of patience.„After giving birth, I forgot all the guidelines, recommendations and breastfeeding positions that I thought I had mastered so well”, she says.For Irina, the first few weeks were a learning process. She chose to continue breastfeeding because she knew about its short- and long-term benefits for a child’s health and development, as well as its role in building the emotional connection between mother and child.Perseverance, however, did not mean overcoming every difficulty on her own. Irina sought specialized breastfeeding support, and the practical guidance, encouragement and patience she received helped her find the solutions that were right for her and Emilia.„All the information you have works like a voice in the background that needs to be there. However, when you find yourself in a difficult situation, simply opening a guide will not solve it. The support of specialists and family becomes essential.”It was also during this time that she discovered how different each baby’s rhythm can be. Although she knew the recommendation to breastfeed on demand, she had imagined that this would generally mean intervals of two or three hours.„I was very surprised to discover that ‘breastfeeding on demand’ can also mean every 20 minutes”, Irina says with a smile.Over time, things became easier. Irina and Emilia got to know each other better, found the positions and rhythm that suited them, and breastfeeding became a natural part of their lives.„Now, breastfeeding is happening the way I had imagined it would.”By the mother’s side, step by stepNicolai had also prepared for Emilia’s arrival. He had attended two breastfeeding training sessions with Irina and believed he knew what to expect. The first few weeks, however, showed him that theoretical information needs to be complemented by patience, presence and continuous involvement.Because Irina was recovering from surgery, Nicolai took on a large share of the responsibilities related to caring for their daughter. He brought Emilia to her mother, helped Irina find a comfortable position, changed nappies, dressed the baby and helped her fall asleep.„We joked that I had prepared to be the ‘project assistant’, but I ended up becoming the ‘project manager’”, Nicolai says.He gradually understood that a partner’s role is not limited to practical help. It also means paying attention to the mother’s well-being, encouraging her, listening and offering support without pressure or judgement.Looking back, Nicolai believes that preparing fathers-to-be can make an important difference.„People often say that you can never be fully prepared for this moment and that the solutions emerge along the way. I do not entirely agree.”Fathers need to learn not only which responsibilities they can take on, but also how family life changes during the first few weeks, how to recognize the moments when the mother needs help and how they can contribute to creating an environment that supports breastfeeding.„Mothers are not the only ones who need to be prepared for what comes next. Fathers also need programmes where they can speak openly about these experiences.”The support that makes a differenceIrina and Nicolai also had the support of their parents. They helped with household tasks and caring for the baby, giving the new parents time to rest and recover.Irina’s mother would sometimes stay with Emilia until late at night so that Irina and Nicolai could sleep for a few hours.„I truly consider myself fortunate in this respect. The physical and emotional support of the family is irreplaceable at that stage”, Irina says.From her professional perspective, Irina already understood the importance of an environment that supports breastfeeding. As a mother, she learned what this support looks like in everyday life: someone preparing a meal, taking care of household chores, bringing the baby to the breast, remembering the specialist’s recommendations or simply staying beside the mother when she needs encouragement.For Irina, a sustainable start in life is built through these forms of support.„For me, as a specialist, breastfeeding is an effective public health intervention, with demonstrated benefits for the child, the mother and the health system. It means giving every child the best possible chance to develop harmoniously from the very first days of life, while reducing inequalities and contributing to a healthier and more resilient society.”As a mother, she also gives breastfeeding a deeply personal meaning.„Breastfeeding is a responsibility and a connection with my daughter that can neither be explained nor replaced. It is much more than food.”What helps mothers continue breastfeedingIn the Republic of Moldova, 94 per cent of mothers initiate breastfeeding, yet only approximately 49 per cent of children under six months of age are exclusively breastfedThe difference between these two figures does not mean that mothers do not want to breastfeed. It points to the obstacles many of them encounter along the way: a lack of support during the first few weeks, contradictory information, difficulties with the baby’s attachment to the breast, the perception that breastmilk is insufficient, social pressure and limited access to qualified assistance.The marketing of breastmilk substitutes and misleading information shared online can also influence families’ decisions. In the Republic of Moldova, four in ten parents use the internet as a source of information in this area.„This statistic is an indicator of how the entire ecosystem surrounding a mother functions”, Irina explains. „If we want to increase the exclusive breastfeeding rate, it is not enough simply to tell mothers that breastfeeding is important.”Mothers need counselling before and after childbirth, well-trained professionals, continuous support in the community, the involvement of family members and policies that enable them to continue breastfeeding, including after returning to work.The Republic of Moldova already has a foundation on which to build: the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative, qualified health professionals, a legal framework and national recommendations aligned with UNICEF and World Health Organization standards.The challenge is to ensure that these mechanisms function consistently and that support for mothers does not end when they are discharged from the maternity hospital.„This year’s message is very appropriate. We do not necessarily need to look for new solutions, but rather to invest consistently in interventions that have already proved effective.”For Irina, communication about breastfeeding should inform and support mothers rather than create pressure or guilt.„Mothers do not need judgement. They need accurate information, qualified counselling and practical support to overcome the challenges they may encounter.”Some women experience medical difficulties, are unable to breastfeed or need alternatives. In such situations, they should receive the guidance necessary to ensure that their child is fed safely and appropriately, without stigma.„Every mother deserves to make informed choices and to feel supported, not judged.”A healthier start for vulnerable childrenFor premature babies and vulnerable newborns, access to breastmilk can be particularly important. In the Republic of Moldova, approximately 1,800 babies are born prematurely every year.Irina is professionally involved in developing an initiative that is very close to her heart: establishing the first Human Milk Bank in the Republic of Moldova.When a mother’s own milk is temporarily unavailable, donated breastmilk provided through a safe and regulated system can give the newborn nutrition adapted to their needs and help protect their health during a critical period.„A Human Milk Bank is not only about collecting and providing breastmilk. It is also about creating a culture that supports breastfeeding, recognizing the value of breastmilk and strengthening the services that support mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth.”The initiative reflects this year’s theme: strengthening solutions that can contribute to a healthier and more equitable start for every child.„Trust yourselves”Motherhood has changed the way Irina views her professional work. While she previously understood the importance of supporting mothers through studies, data and experience from health programmes, she now also understands it from the perspective of a mother who needed that support herself.„Motherhood has helped me view my work through an even more human lens”, she says. „I have gained a deeper understanding of how much every interaction with the right professional matters, every message delivered at the right time and every person who offers support to a mother, especially her husband and family.”Beyond recommendations, policies and statistics, there is a mother who is learning, adapting and trying to make the best possible decisions for her child. Behind a healthy start lies not only the mother’s individual effort, but an entire system of relationships, services and policies that must work together.Irina’s message to mothers on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week comes from her own experience: „Trust yourselves and do not hesitate to ask for support when you need it. Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it is not always a simple one. The right help, provided at the right time, can make an enormous difference.”For Irina, Nicolai and Emilia, the difference was made by the information they had, the specialized counselling they received, the family members who stayed by their side and their decision to go through this learning process together.Support can look different for every mother. Sometimes it begins with accessible health services and well-trained professionals. At other times, it begins at home, with a partner who takes on some of the responsibilities, a family that gives the mother time to rest or a person who simply says: „I am here. You do not have to go through this stage alone.”

For Anastasia and her family, the answer was to start over again in Otaci Rayon, where they found an apartment, they could afford to rent. It was another step in a journey marked by uncertainty, health challenges and resilience.“When we arrived, I was very ill,” she recalls. “I had surgery, and my husband also had surgery.”Her husband underwent two operations. The first followed a microstroke. Later, he traveled to Chișinău for a second surgery to remove a tumor. At the same time, the family was caring for their daughter, who arrived in the Republic of Moldova in 2023 while pregnant and raising a young child on her own.Today, their granddaughter is almost three years old and remains at the center of the family’s efforts to rebuild their lives.
Despite the challenges they have faced, the family continues to support both each other and their community. Recognized for her commitment to helping others, the woman was selected as a volunteer and later elected Chair of the Local Council of Refugees. Her daughter is also actively volunteering.“Our family stays strong together.”For the family, in-kind support has played a vital role in helping them meet their daily needs. It helps them purchase specialized food for their granddaughter and medicines she requires as she continues to receive care for anemia. The assistance also helps cover clothing and other essential household expenses.
“This may seem like a small amount of support, but for us, it is enormous and means so much,” she explains.Like many displaced families, they continue to balance rising costs, utility bills and ongoing health-related expenses. Yet they remain determined to move forward, drawing strength from one another and from the support they receive.Since 2024, 811 displaced people from Ukraine in Moldova have been receiving financial aid to meet their urgent needs. This support helps vulnerable refugees cover essential expenses and maintain dignity as they continue rebuilding their lives in host communities across the country.