The "Know the country that hosts you!" program kicked off with great enthusiasm as a group of 25 young Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan volunteers embarked on an excursion to Orheiul Vechi. This tour marks the beginning of a series of tours that will cover different regions of Moldova throughout this summer. The program's main objective is to connect the refugees with the local youth and services at Safe Spaces and Youth centers, enhance their resilience, empower them to develop and fulfill their potential even during challenging times.  The program is organized by Millennium NGO in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the National Youth Council of Moldova, and with the support from the European Union.

“Today was about interaction and communication," said Dorin, a Moldovan volunteer. "We have made new connections with young people from Ukraine, and I think it is very important to make friends and make them feel good in our country."

Nikita, a participant from Odesa, emphasized the importance of the program for Ukrainian youth. "This program is very helpful for Ukrainian youth, especially considering that 90% of youth refugees rarely venture outside their hometowns," he said.

Participants in the program expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative and highlighted the positive experiences they had during the excursion. Anna, one of the Ukrainian youth, shared, "Today, we went on an excursion, and I think it's a cool idea. Ukrainian youth who arrived in Moldova a year ago should know the traditions and history of the country hosting them. It's not only interesting for our general development but also helps us become well-rounded individuals."

Jem, another participant, described the visit to Old Orhei as delightful, noting that the experience provided an opportunity for the young refugees to engage with their peers, learn about Moldovan history, and challenge themselves through various activities.

The youth tours aim to foster cross-cultural understanding, as “through engaging with each other, getting to know one another better, and having meaningful conversations, we create a more comfortable environment," expressed Anna.

“Fun fact: Did you know that this location was once a bastion surrounded by a river? It used to be a stunning monastery with various activities and even a picnic area. Would I go on this tour again? Without a doubt, yes!” added Nikita.

The "Know the country that hosts you!" program has already left a lasting impression on the young participants. Masha, one of the participants, expressed her gratitude, stating, "The range of emotions I've experienced today has been incredible... My heartfelt thanks to the organizers for making this possible!"

As the program continues, it is expected to engage more than 100 youth refugees this summer and create more opportunities for cultural exchange, friendship, and personal growth among Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan youth. With each tour, the participants gain a deeper understanding of the country they now call home and build resilience that will serve them well in their future endeavors.