’I came to Romania on vacation’ Ania, age 5, is unaware of the war in her country

Nearly 1,000 kilometers in short stretches of travel, trains and buses. We met Ania at the mother and child tent, located at the Sighetu Marmației customs. In these tents, the two of them were safely waiting for the time to board the train again. This time towards Brasov.

In every corner of the center, there is an activity station. Ania tried each of them: she drew, modeled with play dough, then, in another corner, played with stuffed animals. In the meantime, they had a snack. All this is provided by United Way Romania to refugee children entering through the Sighetu Marmației border.

From Brașov, mother and daughter will take another train to Bucharest. There they will be hosted by a family. Ania is a smiling, friendly and cheerful child. She is unaware of the war in her country. Her mother told her they are going on vacation to Romania, but her father can't come since he can't take time off from his job. He is hoping when he gets to Bucharest he will find a similar job.

United Way Romania provides, through its social partners, at the Sighetu Marmatiei border:

– Crisis intervention: providing basic food after crossing the border in Romania (sandwiches, sweets, water, tea, coffee. A warm place to rest, emotional support for adults; then, offering toys for children, opening the possibility for them to spare time at play corner arrenged.

– Basic first aid: such as cleaning, disinfecting and dressing wounds. But also certain non-invasive medical maneuvers such as measuring temperature, blood pressure or blood glucose levels.

– Facilitate information: on the options they have after arriving in Romania, depending on their plans, to stay in the country or to go to other countries.

Until now, United Way Romania supported over 5.370 refugees at Sighetu Marmatiei Border. Volunteers, communities and our network on the ground first provide support for basic needs, relocation and art therapy. We all #UnitedForUkraine can help. Support our efforts by donating at the following page: https://www.unitedway.org/our-impact/work/no-nav/unitedforukraine 

Story by United Way Romania – United Way EME

Edited by Estíbaliz Líppez