IOM Romania

💁♀️Olha is from Kherson, Ukraine, and has been living in Bucharest with her son for the past two years. Together, they are learning Romanian and building a new life in Romania. 🖌From a young age, Olha has loved drawing. Growing up, it was a hobby that brought her joy, and today, it continues to help her find peace amid difficult times. Art has become her escape, allowing her to take her mind off the negative news and focus on creativity. Olha dreams of becoming a more professional artist, both for her own fulfillment and for a potential career. She’s been learning online through lessons, and she remains determined to improve her skills. 👋Creese Ohnta Ukee arrived in Romania in November 2020 from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, after receiving a scholarship to study renewable energy systems engineering at Transilvania University in Brașov. He pursued his studies in Romanian, an accomplishment that reflects both his determination and passion for learning. 💡In the accompanying photo, Creese wears a t-shirt adorned with designs inspired by the rock art of his homeland. This art, etched into volcanic stones in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, reflects the spiritual and ecological connection of the Indigenous peoples who lived there thousands of years ago. The motifs, such as spirals and anthropomorphic faces, link the Caribbean islands with the cultures of South America. This rich heritage symbolizes the resilience and adaptability that Creese carries as a migrant. #IMD2024

📣IOM Romania Offices and the Ukraine Call Centre Holiday Schedule 🎄Please note that the IOM Romania main office on Str. Viitorului 11 will be on holiday break on 25 December, 31 December and 1 January. 🎄The IOM Romania office on Bld. Dacia and in Brasov will be on holiday break from 23 December to 3 January. 🎄The IOM Romania office in Cluj-Napoca is open on 23-24, 26-27 December between 10:00-14:00 and on 2-3 January between 10:00-14:00. 🎄The Ukraine Call Centre will be on holiday break from 23 December to 5 January. 🫶We wish you all a wonderful holiday season!

🟡Dana Levandovska arrived in Romania on 21 March 2024, fleeing the war in her hometown of Cherkasy, Ukraine. She was searching for a safe place for herself, her family, and her pets. She found this sense of security in Brașov, which she now calls home. 🔸Dana first learned about IOM through an online ad about Romanian language courses. She emphasizes the positive impact of the support she received, stressing that the courses not only helped her improve her language skills but also gave her the chance to connect with others and build friendships. 👏Now, Dana is focused on continuing her professional career in Romania. She is determined to take an accounting course and improve her Romanian language skills to pursue this goal. She believes that actively engaging with others and staying informed are key to successfully integrating into her new life. 🧔In October 2022, Sammy left his home in India in search of a better future in Romania. Leaving behind his home country came with its challenges—the distance, the difficulty of learning the Romanian language, and adjusting to a new culture. However, Sammy did not let all these hold him back. With the support of IOM, he learned the language and gained the tools he needed to build a new life. 🔹Despite the initial difficulties, Sammy discovered opportunities in Romania that he had never imagined, along with a peaceful environment that brought him a sense of stability. Now, he dreams of opening his own business, firmly believing that he can make a positive impact on his community and serve as an example for other migrants. #IMD2024

💬Two years ago, Samira and her family moved to Romania. Samira has always had a passion for music. As a teenager, she dreamed of performing on stage with her hangdrum. However, the circumstances she faced made that dream feel out of reach. 🎶However, everything changed when Samira and her family moved to Romania. She brought with her her cherished hangdrum, which she calls Passion, and began playing it with newfound joy. While she has yet to perform on a stage, she holds onto the hope that one day she will. In Romania, she believes her dream of sharing her music with the world might finally come true. 🧔Bruno, originally from 🇧🇷 Brazil, arrived in Romania in 2021 to pursue his university studies. Although the beginning was challenging, he quickly adapted, finding similarities between the people in Romania and those from his region in Brazil, which helped him connect with locals more easily. 📚Currently, Bruno is studying Applied Modern Languages, specializing in English and German, and continues to improve his Romanian with support from IOM. He has also volunteered by teaching German, an experience that has enriched him both personally and professionally. #IMD2024

🎥Coming from 🇪🇷 Eritrea, Sami first arrived in Romania in 2012, seeking a new beginning. Although he faced challenges, Sami realized that Romania was the place where he could truly build the independent life he desired. 🙌After successfully completing his asylum process, Samson found a job, started to make his own living, and now enjoys life in Bucharest, just like any other local. 🔵For the past 4 years, Sami has been working with IOM Romania, using his personal experience to help others who are facing similar challenges. He understands their struggles deeply, as he once walked in their shoes, and he now helps them integrate into the local community. Fluent in four languages, Sami plays an important role in building bridges between cultures. 🤍Sami's dedication and experience make a real difference and we are very lucky to have him as part of our IOM Romania team. #IMD2024

🎥On this International Migrants Day (IMD), we would like to share with you all the inspiring story of our colleague Monica, who moved from 🇪🇨 Ecuador to 🇷🇴 Romania 8 years ago after earning a scholarship to pursue her Master’s degree. What started as an academic journey soon turned into so much more. 💁♀️Monica fell in love with the opportunities Romania offered. She completed both her Master’s and PhD degrees in Brașov, grew personally and professionally, and started a family here. 🔵Today, Monica takes great pride in working with IOM Romania, where she has the chance to give back by supporting others on their own journeys, just as she was once supported. Through her work, she strives to make a difference in the lives of migrants, helping them find opportunities and build new beginnings. 💜Monica, we’re so lucky and happy to have you as a member of our team. 📌With this post, we are excited to kick off our #IMD2024 campaign, showcasing the diverse and powerful journeys of migrants who make a difference every day. Stay tuned to learn more about their stories and the impact migration can have on individuals and communities.

⭐️Over three unforgettable nights, the Ukrainian improvisation group Impro Dzyga performed in Târgu Mureș (30 November), Sighișoara (1 December), and Bistrița (2 December), bringing laughter and joy to 🇺🇦 Ukrainian communities in Romania. 🎭With no scripts and endless creativity, the performers captivated their audiences, turning every moment into a unique and joyful experience. Their shows offered more than just entertainment, they created a space for the Ukrainian community to come together, share laughter, and find a sense of lightness during challenging times. 💙💛To many more Impro Dzyga shows!

📌On 10 December 2024, we were delighted to host a distinguished delegation at the RomExpo centre in Bucharest, a crucial multiservice hub for Ukrainian refugees in Romania. The delegation was led by Robyn Prinz, U.S. PRM Regional Refugee Coordinator, and included representatives from several embassies. ℹThis visit offered a valuable opportunity to highlight the collaborative efforts between IOM Romania and its partners in providing comprehensive support to Ukrainian refugees. The RomExpo multiservice centre plays an essential role as a one-stop-shop, offering a wide range of services designed to aid the settlement, inclusion, and resilience of refugees. 🤝We are grateful for the ongoing support of our international partners, whose engagement underscores the shared responsibility to provide assistance and opportunities to displaced populations in Romania.

🔵Since 2020, IOM Romania has been proud to partner with SNSPA’s Master’s program in International Development and Migration, shaping future leaders in migration policies, social economy, and international development. ℹ️Every week, students join us at IOM Romania office for practical sessions where they connect directly with our team, gaining unique insights into our work and the powerful stories of those we support. 🙋♂️On 12 December, they met Sami, one of our colleagues and a refugee from Eritrea, who shared his inspiring journey to building a new life in Romania - a story of courage and resilience. Today, he helps other refugees to integrate and build a future in Romania, just as he has done. 💬“No one understands them better than I do,” emphasized Sami. “I share their experience, and I help them find their place in this beautiful country." 🙌At IOM, we connect knowledge with action for a more inclusive future. Centre for the Study of International Development and Migration Scoala Nationala de Studii Politice si Administrative (SNSPA)

📌Our colleagues in Cluj-Napoca have recently organized a variety of activities to engage with the community. Here’s a glimpse of what they’ve been up to 👇 💬Intercultural session in Sibiu: On 7 November, students from Cisnădie Technological High School participated in an intercultural session aimed at exploring the complexities of migration and cultural diversity. Through engaging discussions, the students learned about the various reasons people migrate, the challenges migrants face, and the importance of empathy in understanding different cultures. The session provided valuable insights into how living in a new country with a different language, climate, and way of life can shape experiences, promoting a deeper understanding of the migrant journey and the prejudices often encountered. 🇷🇴1st December National Day Celebration: On 29 November, our colleagues hosted an informative session about Romania’s Great Union of 1918, followed by a culinary exploration of traditional Romanian dishes. The event continued with a visit to the Ethnographic Museum, where beneficiaries learned about Romanian traditions and rural life. 🎄Winter holiday crafts: On 6 December, our team hosted a festive session where migrants were introduced to both traditional and modern Christmas customs in Romania, from caroling to unique New Year traditions. The session provided a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind these celebrations. Participants then had the opportunity to get creative in a hands-on workshop, crafting their own winter decorations using a variety of materials. It was a fun and meaningful way to experience Romanian holiday culture and add a personal touch to the season's celebrations. 🙌These events highlight our ongoing commitment to promoting intercultural understanding and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Romania.