It has been three winters since Ecaterina lost her husband to cancer, and for this single mother of three in Moldova, each season brings its own set of challenges. Winter is especially harsh in their village, where opportunities for work dwindle, and the escalating costs of heating and electricity create a financial struggle.
Ecaterina, aged 42, resides in a modest village home with her children: seven-year-old Sebastian and four-year-old twins, Alina and Carolina. While she manages to earn some income through seasonal work in spring, the winter months prove to be particularly demanding. Cleaning duties at a village store hardly cover their essential needs.
Their living conditions are far from ideal—a single room with a small kitchen, a bed shared by the children, and visible signs of wear and tear. Ecaterina has been the sole caretaker since her husband's passing, bravely taking on the responsibility of repairing their aging home. Despite its dilapidated state, the house stands as a shelter, a roof over their heads.
With limited state support following her husband's death, Ecaterina has faced numerous hardships. However, Mission Without Borders (MWB) provides crucial assistance to families like hers during the winter season, supplying warm clothing, boots, firewood, and briquettes. Enrolled in MWB's family sponsorship program, Ecaterina and her children also receive regular visits from Pavel, the family coordinator.
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