Moldova is the poorest country in Europe. Corruption remains widespread, jobs are scarce, and poverty is concentrated in rural areas, where many people lack adequate sanitation & other basic amenities.

Moldova has one of the highest rates of human trafficking in Europe as people are lured into slavery with promises of paid work. To many, the future looks hopeless and migration seems the only way to a better life: an estimated one in three working individuals have left Moldova to go overseas for work. As a result of migration, more than half of children grow up without the care of their mother or father at some point. Alcoholism and domestic violence are frequent problems, and three-quarters of children have experienced violent disciplining methods.

We work in towns and villages in southern Moldova, supporting vulnerable children both in their communities and in institutions, helping them to know they are loved and giving them educational support. We also run a women’s ministry serving women affected by domestic violence, and we work with families, helping them to break out of poverty and access training and employment.

In Chisinau, we reach out to homeless people with hot food, warm clothing and friendship.