(Re)opening doors to life
In Moldova, the poorest country in Europe, there are many ways of being shut in. For the elderly, infirmity and poverty often mean they are literally unable to leave their rooms. Low wages mean that even skilled workers cannot accept work at places which are too far to walk. Most children attend schools with outdated books and no internet connections that would provide a window to the wider world. And over the past couple of years a steady stream of refugees from neighbouring Ukraine has been stretching the country’s limited resources even further.
“Thanks to this shipment we have managed to provide … clothing, appliances and household goods for the most vulnerable and poor.” NGO report
Above: Although the 60 underprivileged children attending our partner’s after-school programme were already enjoying the activities provided, there was only a single laptop computer in the centre on which the supervisor could demonstrate some simple uses of the machine.
Above: Now, with the computer sets donated by Crossroads, the after-school club is running classes where children can learn full computer literacy skills, simple programming – and maybe even play a few games.
With many people scarcely able to cover the costs of rent and food (never mind heating for even one room during the long, snowy winters), replacement of old clothes, shoes or even a broken dinner plate become the stuff of their wildest dreams. Even institutions like hospitals struggle on with equipment dating back to the Soviet era, more than thirty years ago.
As well as providing for their own clientele, our partners shared the goods they received with other community programmes and hospitals. Here are just a few of the stories of how the clothing and footwear, medical equipment, computers, household goods and appliances are being put to use.
Above: All the hospital could previously offer Andrey (nearly paralyzed through dementia) was an old sofa. Not only is he much more comfortable on the new hospital bed, he is much calmer now his head can be raised to see out the window.
Above: This group of recipients is delighted to show off the new boots they received from this shipment.
Above: Yakov Kerner is a retired theoretical physicist with more than 50 years university employment behind him but his pension does not even cover his utility bills.
He could not hold back tears when given this laptop computer: he can now tutor online to supplement his pension, keep up with latest scientific developments and stay connected with friends and former colleagues.
Above: Victoria Grigorievna Popova is an 81-year-old widow who previously worked as an editor of popular science literature. These days many health problems mean she is almost entirely house-bound, reliant on a meagre pension.
Unable to replace the TV that broke down some years ago, and unable to go out to the library for reading material, she was thrilled to receive this new television. Highly grateful to Crossroads’ donors, she says she can again feel connected to the world.
Above: Part of the crowd at one of our partner’s distribution events for clothing and shoes.
