Scouting led him to find his life's work through community service

3 minutes

Click here to read in Russian.

The Moldovan-Ukrainian border has seen a surge of movement since late February when thousands of refugees began to cross in from Ukraine due to the war. Of the 4.5 million refugees who have fled so far, the United Nations estimates that 400,000 people have migrated to neighbouring Moldova. Despite being a small country of 2.6 million people Moldovans are showing tremendous generosity and dedication to help victims of the war.

Staff members from World Scouting recently met Moldovan Rover Scouts in the region to learn more about their involvement in the humanitarian response. In the district of Ștefan Vodă, Scout volunteers and staff are fully living up to their promise to be a friend to all.

In order to reach Moldova, refugees from Ukraine endure a tumultuous journey. Once they cross the Dniester River into Moldova, they are often greeted by compassionate Scouts, such as Oleg Topor, who is heading the state’s emergency response at the border in Palanca village.

Oleg was a Rover in the Palanca village from 1995 to 1997 and says that Scouting activities and the time he spent camping allowed him to improve his self-confidence, manage stress, enhance self-awareness and achieve his aspirations. It also led him to his present profession in public service, as the head of the Exceptional Situations Section of Ștefan Vodă.

Through his work, Oleg is strengthening and mobilising the region to welcome children and women who are fleeing the conflict, leaving behind their houses and savings, and entering a humanitarian crisis filled with uncertainty. 

Scout volunteers are working with Oleg and the public service to host, shelter, feed and transport refugees from Ukraine. Some examples of their activities include:

  • Setting up tents at the Palanca border to help with intake of refugees brought in by bus between borders.
  • Arranging medical and health checks, security and welfare services, accommodations and food, an immigration office and the processing of documents for those who do not have them or have expired ones.
  • Providing free blankets, clothes, hygiene products, food, places to rest and other necessities.
  • Providing long-term accommodations for refugees who choose to stay in Moldova.

According to the World Food Programme, approximately 90% of refugees in Moldova are living with host communities. Moldovans - including Rovers and Scout Leaders - have been hosting Ukrainian families in their own homes as they wait for the conflict to end or decide on their next steps.

As we can see from these Scouts, the Scouting spirit inspires us to always put our best foot forward and extend a helping hand.

To hear from Moldovan Scout volunteers and see the camps where they are helping, watch the video below.

To support Scouting’s humanitarian response activities for Ukraine, you can donate to our emergency appeal via the Scout Donation Platform.

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