Olena’s stand-up paddle board club, a refugee success story in Moldova

Adapting to life in the Republic of Moldova 

Originally from Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Olena worked at the Vinnitsa City Council, where she coordinated a program dedicated to the socialization and integration of ATO (Anti-Terrorist Operation Zone) fighters, widows, and returnees from conflict zones, including people with disabilities and serious injuries.

Olena has been living in the Republic of Moldova for over two years with her two daughters and parents. Her life changed dramatically when she sought refuge in Moldova on the first day of the war, prioritizing her family’s safety. 

 “We were welcomed with immense care and support. The love we’ve experienced here helped us heal and decide to stay,” Olena recalls. 

Within a week, Olena found a job, and later she has become general manager within the Jewish Community of Moldova, a local humanitarian organisation and UNHCR partner, and later on she mustered up the courage to open her own non-governmental organization. Olena founded the International Impact Center and the Art Fusion Residence. Two organizations that implement educational, cultural, and sports projects, promoting international collaboration.

“I felt accomplished and needed because I was helping people like me. I believe that only when you help yourself you can help others. Through these projects, we aim to positively influence society, contributing to the development of the Ukrainian as well as Moldovan community. “ 

Drawing on experiences from other countries, Olena aimed to create something unique in Moldova. That`s when she opened her Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Surfing Club. 

Transforming a Hobby into a Successful Project

Olena’s passion for Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) led her to establish the SUP Surfing Club in Moldova, in addition to her NGOs. This personal project combines art and entertainment, offering a space for surfing and water activities while supporting her family. She has organized over 15 types of events, including birthdays, sunset and sunrise meetings, guitar evenings on the water, tea ceremonies, and corporate events, providing participants with unforgettable experiences. Her SUP club, popular among Moldovans and Ukrainians, serves as a safe space for all and strengthens community bonds. 

“When people come, they have unforgettable emotions because of our mix of different elements,” Olena shares. 

 Embracing New Beginnings in Moldova 

Why did Olena decide to stay in Moldova? The answer is simple: while the war in Ukraine continues unabated,  many Ukrainian women have chosen to stay in Moldova, open their own businesses and lead their own organizations. Moldova has proven to be a country of opportunities, a place where many fields require innovation and improvement. Moldova’s spirit of change, combined with its supportive community and welcoming atmosphere, provided the perfect environment for her new beginning. 

Most refugees from Ukraine want to return when safety and security conditions allow, but provided they can access the tools and resources they need to play an active role, financial inclusion allows them to contribute to their host communities and also make an eventual return more sustainable. Refugee entrepreneurs often face limited access to banking and credit services, which leaves them particularly exposed during the growth stage of their businesses. Enhanced partnerships, policy changes and improved access to information in their host countries can support their initiatives to flourish. 

UNHCR and its NGO partners provide integral assistance in such transformative journeys, offering essential support, from trauma recovery and cash assistance, to livelihoods programs and vocational trainings,; helping refugees like Olena to find hope and rebuild their lives.