An exhibition of drawings by refugee children has been launched at the Embassy of Ukraine in Moldova. The exhibition, under the theme “Ми хочемо миру/We Want Peace”, is organized by the National Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse on the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day on August 24.

“I want peace in my Ukraine. Peace and blue skies. I want shelling and siren sounds to stop”. This is how 11-year-old Natalia from Odesa described the drawing she made during the psycho-social support activities held in the placement center, which has become her temporary home and where she meets weekly with the psychologists and pedagogues of the PIDTRIMKA Mobile Team.

Sonia is 10 years old and also comes from Odesa. The girl drew an angel of peace, who takes care of their house and the house of her grandparents and relatives, an angel who gives love to all who are waiting for her at home.

9-year-old Alexei came to Moldova with his mother and younger sister Sofia, from Kherson. In his drawing, the boy reflects the distance that separates him from his father. “If I could, I would tell everyone in Russia that we want peace,” says Alexei.

With the outbreak of war in the neighboring country, CNPAC, with the financial support of the partners Plan International, War Child Holland and the Kyeema Foundation, assembled the PIDTRIMKA Mobile Service for psycho-social assistance in situations of humanitarian crisis. During this time, around 18 thousand refugees, including 10,200 children staying in the country’s placement centers have received support from specialists. This includes activities through play, art and communication, psychological counseling, information on the risks associated with the safety of children, information and referral to social and educational services, parental education, and psycho-emotional support.