More than 60 refugees from Ukraine benefited from the training program launched in 2022 to develop new skills and increase their chances of employment in Moldova. Thus, these courses become a springboard for Ukrainian refugees temporarily settled in Moldova, with the aim of obtaining certifications that confirm their skills in various fields.

Being more than just a course, these programs offer refugees opportunities to broaden their skills and increase their chances of employment in a changing labor market, with a variety of fields covered, from baking and cooking to bartending and manicuring.

Among the trainees is Marina, a Ukrainian refugee who is a teacher in her home country but has chosen to study baking here. "I chose to take baking courses to learn something useful and get a certificate. In the future, I may practice this profession or combine it with my present one," says Marina.

Catherine, another participant who was formerly an electrical engineer-designer, ventured into the culinary world. "I love cooking and have tasters at home. But given the situation in my country, I don't know what is going to happen in the future. What is certain is that I want to return home, but I don't know if I will work according to my specialty or if I will have a place to work. If the opportunity arises, I will accept to work in the culinary field as well," she says.

Even young refugees have chosen to attend vocational tcourses. Catherine's son, Daniil, has opted for bartending courses. "The decision to take bartending courses was spontaneous. I thought this could really be useful in the future," he says.

The vocational courses cover ten trades and are held in specialized centers in Chisinau and Balti. From bakers and cooks to manicurists, the programs are designed to offer both theory and practice. Liubovi Bulah, director of the "Island of Hope" non-profit association, which offers these courses, points out, "The most popular courses are in the HORECA sector: confectioners, cooks, waiters, and barbers, the latter being a trendy and stylish profession."

Refugees receive financial support from UNDP Moldova, which covers the costs of the courses and provides a one-time scholarship of 2,200 lei. Ana Moraru, manager at UNDP Moldova, says: "This activity was initially piloted in Chisinau and Balti to see what the demand for such a service is from refugees. We have noticed that there is a high demand to attend such courses. 

At present, refugees can still atent vocational courses, but they are without UNDP support. They can contact the National Employment Agency instead."

Vocational training programs not only open up new opportunities for refugees but also represent a significant step towards their social and economic integration in Moldova.

Important! The courses are intensive and last up to two months, depending on the chosen field. The studies are free of charge, and the beneficiary also receives a scholarship of 2200 lei. For further information and registration:

Moldova, Balti, 26 March Street, no. 1; Phone: 0 (231) 2-40-82, 0 (231) 2-65-21, 0 699 79 888, 0 691 64 442, https://miracolcentru.md/

Moldova, Chisinau, Miron Costin street, no. 7; Phone: +373 22 100010, http://insula.md/section/contact