A refugee’s journey of hope in Moldova

When you open the door of the recreational Centre Sunny Bunny, it is most certain that you will find Hanna Pavlova at its heart. Surrounded by children and by her employees, Hanna is attentive to everything that happens in the small business that she recently opened in Chisinau, Moldova’s capital. With her quiet determination, Hanna seems like someone who’s always been in control. But the truth is, she has had to fight for every step of the life she is rebuilding.

It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, Hanna was starting over from nothing. A psychologist, teacher, and mother of two, she fled Odesa in Ukraine in February 2022, carrying only her children and the hope of safety. Moldova became her refuge—a place to start again.

“Moldova welcomed us with warmth and understanding,” she told me. “It gave me the strength to imagine a future again, even when everything felt uncertain.”

Hanna’s hope soon turned into determination. She knew that rebuilding wasn’t just about surviving—it was about creating a future.

“When I looked at my children, I realized they weren’t just starting over—they were growing up in this new reality,” she says. “I wanted to create a space where children like them could thrive, no matter where they came from”.

But starting over was no small feat. From finding housing to learning Romanian and adapting to a new culture, every step tested Hanna’s resilience. Yet, in the face of these challenges, she saw more than hardship—she saw an opportunity to create something meaningful, both for refugees and for the community that welcomed her.

Hanna’s journey to entrepreneurship was supported by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in partnership with ACTED, the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development. She was one of 30 participants - refugees and Moldovans—who took part in a livelihoods programme designed to equip participants with business skills. Of these participants, 10 received grants to launch their businesses, including Hanna, who used the funding to bring her vision of Sunny Bunny Kids Hub to life.

Now, Sunny Bunny is a space where children aged three to 15 can flourish, no matter where they are coming from. The atmosphere is lively yet calm, with children engaging in art therapy, language classes, and personal development workshops. Hanna, with her 12 years of experience, leads many of the sessions herself, working closely with the children to help them express themselves and build self-esteem.

Hanna’s story is a reminder of the power of resilience, community, and hope. It also reflects Moldova’s remarkable generosity during one of the largest refugee crises in recent history. The country’s support has not only offered safety but also empowered individuals like Hanna to rebuild their lives and contribute to their new communities.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, during his recent visit to Moldova, praised Moldova’s efforts, saying, “The people of Moldova have shown the world what it means to stand in solidarity during a crisis. Their kindness is a reminder of our shared humanity.”

Hanna’s story is a reflection of this solidarity. She dreams of expanding Sunny Bunny Kids Hub to reach even more children, creating a space where every child can feel safe and valued.

Expanding her vision is no easy task, but one thing is for sure: nothing will stop her from striving for her dreams.

And when the challenges feel overwhelming?

“The challenges are immense, but so is the potential,” Hanna says. “When children are supported, educated, and empowered, they’re not just changing their own lives—they’re transforming entire communities. That’s what keeps me going.”