Holding on to what matters
Holding on to what matters
A photo from the Cash Enrolment Centre of Chisinau, supported by the European Union
This story is part of a series of testimonies written by refugees in Moldova. With the support of the European Union, UNHCR Moldova provides financial assistance that helps refugee families to cover their most urgent needs. The words below belong to Vasilii, who chose to share his experience in his own voice.
My name is Vasilii Brovcenko, I am 63 years old, and I am from Odesa. I currently live in Chișinău with my wife, children, and grandchildren. We arrived in Moldova in October 2024.
Before leaving, my days were full of activity: I worked, played table tennis, went for walks with my grandchildren, and met with friends. Here in Chișinău, I try to keep part of that routine. I continue to play table tennis, go shopping, and help my daughter with the grandchildren.
My family is my main source of support. We help each other with daily chores, go shopping together, and try to make life easier for one another. Being close to my loved ones means a lot to me.
Vasilii Brovcenko left Odesa in 2024 and found safety in Moldova.
At present, I receive financial assistance from UNHCR, and sometimes other types of support from different organizations. Most of the financial support goes toward rent and utility bills. Unfortunately, the amount does not cover all expenses. Utility costs remain the biggest challenge for our family.
My strength and comfort come from my family, from being close to my loved ones, and from my favorite hobby: table tennis.
I would like people in other countries, especially donors, to know how important and valuable their support is. We all want peace. And it is essential that we remember to support each other, help whenever we can, and value what we have.
With the support of the European Union, Vasilii and his family, like many other Ukrainian refugee families, have found safety and stability far from home. Thanks to the contribution by the EU, in 2025, more than 20,000 vulnerable refugees in the Republic of Moldova have received multi-purpose cash assistance. This money supports refugees in paying for their rent and household needs, which include food, utilities and other expenses, while reinvesting in the local economy. The support by the EU contributed to UNHCR’s core objective of mitigating protection risks and meeting basic needs through the combined delivery of cash assistance, protection counselling, and border monitoring activities.
