Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Save the Children Romania, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Proiect Voiajor Association have successfully completed an innovative program aimed at supporting displaced individuals from Ukraine and vulnerable Romanian citizens. The program was launched in response to the challenges caused by the conflict in Ukraine and focused on two key areas: improving access to employment and providing support services for children. This initiative played a crucial role in enhancing the economic and social stability of those affected by the crisis.
“This program has been essential support for Ukrainian mothers and vulnerable families in Romania. We have managed to provide them not only with access to employment opportunities but also with a safe and educational environment for their children. It is an important step toward integrating these families and ensuring the stability they so desperately need,” emphasized Gabriela Alexandrescu, Executive President of Save the Children Romania.
Over the 12-month implementation period, the program helped over 500 mothers with children, providing them with job search training, CV preparation assistance, and employment support. The program facilitated more than 240 job opportunities in industries such as fashion, retail, technology, hospitality, and manufacturing. In April 2024, a day center was established in Bucharest, focusing on educational and recreational services for children aged 6 to 11. Its opening played a crucial role in supporting parents, especially mothers, by allowing them to continue their professional activities or seek new employment without worrying about their children’s safety.
“Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, women and children have been among the most affected, representing two-thirds and one-third, respectively, of the displaced population. At the same time, vulnerable communities in Romania have felt the impact on the labor market, disrupted by this influx. In this context, the program developed with our partners supports the most vulnerable parents from Romania and Ukraine. The day center is undoubtedly the heart of the project, playing a crucial role in maintaining family balance,” stated Ioana Gorgăneanu, Vice President, Head of Marketing & Communications for Southeastern Europe, Mastercard.
Additionally, the program organized numerous social cohesion events and community activities that brought together Ukrainian and Romanian families, promoting cultural understanding and mutual support. These events helped overcome cultural barriers and facilitated the integration of displaced Ukrainians into local communities.
Through professional development courses and skills training, participants acquired competencies needed in the Romanian job market. Fifty women completed training in the beauty industry, 31 of whom secured jobs in the field, while one successfully launched her own business.
“We are grateful for this partnership and program, through which we have helped part of the community overcome significant barriers to integrating into Romania’s economy. Access to safe and legal employment is a privilege for many, and we are pleased to have created an integration model that can be replicated and has made a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable families from Romania and Ukraine,” said Roxana Popa, President of the Proiect Voiajor Association.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
The program faced several challenges, including language barriers and cultural differences. To address these, Romanian language courses and cultural exchange activities were organized. Additionally, the dynamics of the labor market required flexibility in matching candidates with available jobs and close collaboration with employers.
“As the largest institutional investor in Ukraine, the Bank has stood by Ukraine and other countries affected by Russian aggression since the beginning of the war. We are also proud of our work, such as this program in Romania, where we support Ukrainian refugees and other vulnerable citizens by providing them with greater access to jobs and childcare services,” said Mark Bowman, EBRD Vice President for Policy and Partnerships.
Eugenia, a program beneficiary, shared her experience:
“Having lived in Romania for over a year, I lost my remote job at a Ukrainian company and found myself in a foreign country, without income, with a child to care for, and a rented apartment to pay for. After four months of actively searching for a new job, I joined the Jobs for Ukraine project. Through the program, I received career counseling, guidance, and assistance in updating my CV. Soon, I found a position at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which was willing to hire a Ukrainian woman for an administrative role despite my limited knowledge of Romanian. My previous experience in the banking sector in Ukraine and my English proficiency were essential.
Thanks to Save the Children, my child is safely cared for at the day center, allowing me to focus on my work, knowing they are in good hands. Now, I am happy to work for this incredible European organization that values quality and respect for its employees. I have a work contract and feel the stability I have been seeking for years.
The full report can be accessed here.
Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth
The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth promotes equitable and sustainable economic growth as well as financial inclusion on a global scale. The center leverages the company’s core assets and expertise, including data-driven insights, technology, and philanthropic funding through the Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, expand global programs, and support a community of visionaries, leaders, and frontline changemakers driving inclusive growth.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
The EBRD is an international financial institution dedicated to promoting sustainable economic development and private entrepreneurial initiatives. Within this program, EBRD played a significant role in supporting various initiatives aimed at stimulating job creation and economic inclusion. The funding provided by EBRD was crucial in establishing key program components, such as employment services and vocational training, focusing on increasing economic inclusion for displaced people from Ukraine and vulnerable Romanian citizens. Through this initiative, EBRD has contributed to laying a solid foundation for long-term financial stability and integration into the Romanian economy.
Save the Children Romania
For 35 years, Save the Children Romania has been developing social programs, public policies, and best practices to support children in Romania. The organization’s national expertise and extensive project portfolio make it a key social institution mediating between society and public authorities in the best interest of children. Over three decades, Save the Children has actively intervened in society by identifying concrete solutions to protect and support vulnerable children while advocating for viable cooperation with policymakers to safeguard children’s rights.
Save the Children Romania has taken on the role of watchdog, ensuring that public authorities implement long-term policies addressing the root causes of child vulnerability. The organization has also built strong solidarity networks, encouraging corporate and societal responsibility at large. As a member of Save the Children International, the world’s largest independent organization advocating for children’s rights—operating in 118 countries with 30 member organizations—its vision is a world where every child’s rights to survival, education, protection, and participation are respected. Save the Children Romania is committed to achieving significant progress in how children are treated and ensuring both immediate and long-term improvements in their lives.
To date, over 4,150,000 children have benefited from Save the Children Romania’s programs and campaigns.
Proiect Voiajor Association
The Proiect Voiajor Association is a Romanian NGO dedicated to the socio-economic integration of refugees and migrants. Its flagship initiative, Jobs for Ukraine, focuses on providing employment and vocational training opportunities for Ukrainian refugees. Through this project, Proiect Voiajor has played a vital role in fostering financial stability and economic inclusion by connecting beneficiaries with job opportunities and offering tailored training programs.
The organization has been essential in bridging the gap between refugees and the local community, promoting integration and helping participants build sustainable livelihoods in Romania. Through its efforts in community engagement, vocational training, and outreach, Proiect Voiajor ensures that its services are culturally sensitive and adapted to the specific needs of the refugee population. Its hands-on approach and deep understanding of the local context have been key in delivering effective workforce development and training programs.
