EU4Youth: social entrepreneurship, close to the needs of refugees from Ukraine

CONTACT Centre, together with local partners AXA Management Consulting and Eco-Răzeni, launched an Information Campaign “Social Entrepreneurship, close to the needs of refugees”. The campaign is being carried out in the framework of the project EU4Youth – Unlocking the potential of young social entrepreneurs in Moldova and Ukraine” (EUnlocking), funded by the European Union through the EU4Youth Programme.

Through this Campaign, the organisers aim to promote the role and involvement of social businesses and social entrepreneurs in supporting Ukrainian refugees. “Social entrepreneurs stand by the needs of refugees” is the message of the Campaign, which aims to raise awareness, enhance social economy and support social entrepreneurs in times of humanitarian crisis.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, more than 300,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered the Republic of Moldova, including 136,727 minors. In order to provide support and help to refugees, several social entrepreneurs have joined forces and provided food, accommodation, educational activities, health services, etc.

Sergiu Gurau, founder of the social enterprise “Floare de Cireș” (“Cherry blossom”), supported the Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the war. “Since the end of February, several refugee centres have been calling us, asking if we can get involved and provide food for Ukrainian refugees. We couldn’t refuse because this is the mission of a social business, to be with the needs of the people and to contribute to solving social problems. During this period, we prepared and delivered about 13400 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) to 11 refugee centres in Ialoveni district and Chisinau municipality”.
The campaign will run for two months, and its materials and events can be followed on the “Social Entrepreneurs Network of Moldova” Facebook group or on the organisers’ pages.