”Thanks to the financial aid, I was able to buy food, medicine and clothes for my children”

The escalating prices of energy, food, and essential services have plunged numerous vulnerable families in Moldova into an arduous struggle for survival and security. 

For 26-year-old Alina and her four children from the Bucuria village, Cahul district, every penny and product hold immense significance as a source of stability and genuine blessing. Their foremost wish is to have enough money to cover expenses for water, electricity, heating, and food. 

Their dwelling is a two-room apartment where love and tranquility attempt to compensate for material deficiencies. Three-year-old Stanislav, tightly holding onto his 11-year-old brother Liviu's arm, greets us with curiosity and hope in his eyes. Despite his young age, Liviu has taken on the responsibility of caring for his siblings and being a dependable aid to his parents. However, education remains a priority for him and his 7-year-old sister Renata. "They do not have any issues at school and study diligently, understanding that their future depends on it," says Alina as she prepares lunch in the kitchen. 

Renata, Liviu and Stanislav happily gather around the table, followed by their mother, who holds their one-year-old sister Irina in her arms. Alina expresses gratitude and pride that she can provide enough food to feed her children, and she mentions her husband, Stepan, who works at the local bakery. "He works tirelessly, but his salary is insufficient to cover all our expenses. That is why we rely on the monthly assistance provided by Ana," says Alina, looking at the social worker as a family member. Ana is responsible for ensuring that all vulnerable families in the village receive the available support. "I know they are going through a very challenging time. That is why I am glad to assist them whenever new opportunities and resources arise," says Ana, who recently started working as a social worker. 

Alina recounts how their struggle for survival began with rising costs for services and goods. Her family did not enjoy prosperity, but had enough resources to purchase food, clothing, hygiene products, and renovate their home. "Before the price hikes, we could afford a loaf of bread and more. Now, we are just trying to make ends meet," confirms the young mother.  

During the cold season, heating subsidies and the additional financial support of MDL 700, offered monthly by local authorities, alleviated some of the family's burden in coping with the shock of price increases. "I'm very grateful for the MDL 700 we received each month for bills and the heating subsidies. Thanks to the financial aid, I was able to buy medicine, food, and clothes for my children. It is incredibly challenging when we do not receive any assistance," says Alina. 

At the end of November 2022, the UN agencies such as UNICEF, UNFPA, UNHCR, IOM, WFP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection to provide emergency cash assistance to crisis-affected populations and integrate shock response into the national social protection system in the Republic of Moldova. As a result, through local authorities, over 56,000 vulnerable families received financial aid of MDL 700 for seven months. Moreover, the programme included financial assistance of up to 1,280 lei for social workers and those responsible for verifying data and preparing the necessary documents. The programme's main objective is to support families in at-risk situations in the context of the Ukraine refugee crisis and the increase in prices for all essential products and services. 

However, children and families in Moldova continue to endure the consequences of the country's new economic reality. Continuous support from the authorities is crucial for them to lead a healthy lifestyle. Alina cannot experience a peaceful period of motherhood. Recently, she joined her husband in working at the bakery. Despite living under the same roof and working at the same place, they barely see each other.  

"Each month, all our money is allocated towards paying bills, leaving us with no funds for food and hygiene products. When my husband comes home, I leave for work, and vice versa," Alina says. "For example, we've run out of potatoes at home. Today, I went to the store and requested credit for them. I will also ask for a detergent package and pay for it later. Every penny and every product hold immense significance to us, and we are immensely grateful when the social worker provides financial assistance." 

Alina dreams of a brighter future for her children. "I don't want them to endure this hardship. I want to protect them from these struggles. Despite our limited finances, I try to buy them something, so they do not feel different from other children," Alina says.  

UNICEF and its partners are actively working on developing and enhancing the financial assistance programme for Moldovan families who have been affected by multiple crises. The objective is to ensure that these families receive financial aid during the upcoming cold season. According to the available data, out of the nearly 56,000 households that received financial assistance between November 2022 and May 2023, over 43,400 include individuals with special needs, along with 6,600 single-parent families, 6,000 families with three or more children, and 2,800 pregnant or lactating women. 

In addition to this financial assistance programme, UNICEF supports the authorities in strengthening Moldova's social protection system through various measures, including training programmes for social workers, equipping them with the necessary tools and implementing additional support initiatives for children and their families. 

UNICEF thanks the donors, such as the Government of Italy, the United States Fund for UNICEF and BPRM (USA) for their generous support in assisting thousands of vulnerable families from Moldova in receiving financial aid during the cold season.