Ahmad Djavid Paknehad is a well-known name among those actively involved in supporting refugees in Moldova. Originally from Afghanistan, he is now a citizen of the Republic of Moldova and the Director of the Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR), a refugee-led organisation that has provided concrete support to thousands of refugees and vulnerable citizens for over 25 years.
Djavid’s early days in his new homeland: Republic of Moldova
Djavid first arrived in the Republic of Moldova in 1984, after being sent by the Afghan government to pursue his studies. “I was very young at the time, and the war had begun in our country. I had seen nothing but conflict. Upon arriving in Moldova, I found a peaceful country with friendly people and streets that were safe at any time of the day” he recalls.
Between 1984 and 1990, he completed his studies at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, earning a degree in veterinary science. However, living and adapting to life in a foreign country wasn’t easy. “I didn’t know Romanian, not even the alphabet. It was a real challenge to learn and adapt”. Still, the hospitality of the Moldovans provided him with the support he needed to integrate.
From volunteering to founding the Charity Centre for Refugees
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Djavid decided to stay in the Republic of Moldova. Being one of the few who spoke Romanian, Russian, Dari, and English, he began helping other refugees coming from conflict zones. “At first, we volunteered to assist refugees with translation at the UNHCR office. When they noticed my involvement, the UNHCR representatives suggested I establish an organisation to support these people.”
In 1999, with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Ministry of Justice, Djavid founded the CCR. “I wanted this organisation to be about people and for people.”
25 years of impact: CCR’s role in supporting the community
Over the past 25 years, CCR has supported thousands of refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan, Iraq, Ukraine, and other conflict zones. The activities include Romanian language courses, cultural integration programmes, legal aid, and employment support. CCR has become a symbol of solidarity and concrete help. “We want to give refugees the ‘fishing rod’, not just the ‘fish’. We organize vocational courses that allow them to become economically independent,” Djavid explains.
CCR collaborates with ‘Ion Creangă’ Pedagogical University and the Ministry of Education to organize Romanian language courses, both online and offline, including in schools in Chișinău and Comrat. The centre also arranges visits to tourist sites like Old Orhei, Soroca, and Saharna, as well as sports events, to promote tolerance and inclusion. “Integration cannot happen in isolation. We must involve Moldovan citizens alongside refugees”, says Djavid.
The centre is also expanding its support to the local community. Of the 10,000 families assisted with vouchers for food or medicines, 30 per cent are Moldovan citizens. “Moldova welcomed us with open arms, and we want to give back to the community,” Djavid says.
The collaboration with the General Inspectorate for Migration enables support for asylum seekers, including temporary accommodation at the centre near the airport. “My colleagues help the children with their homework or organize cultural activities there”, Djavid mentions.
Lessons from the past for a better future
The experiences of his youth inspired Djavid to develop programmes that provide not only immediate assistance, but also long-term solutions. ‘We want people to become independent and to have access to education and opportunities. Over the years, I’ve come to learn that hard work and perseverance are the keys to success,’ he explains. The Charity Centre for Refugees provides vocational training courses to enable refugees and host communities to develop practical skills in hairdressing, cooking, or to become nail technicians, providing refugees with the opportunity to integrate into Moldova’s labour market.
In recent years, CCR has also managed to support Moldovan communities impacted by the economic crisis. “Following the events in Ukraine, inflation increased significantly. We did our best to help not only refugees but Moldovan citizens as well”, Djavid says.
The contribution to the country and national recognition
Today, CCR stands as a successful model, and the Republic of Moldova has sound legislation in the field of asylum. “Moldova is a small country, but it has excellent integration programmes”, Djavid notes.
The organization now has a team of 30 employees, each contributing to the accomplishment of beautiful and useful things for society. Djavid explains: “Creating jobs is a wonderful thing. Yes, there may not be many, but each of these individuals works hard and solves real problems”.
The organisation also continues to work closely with the authorities to support refugee children, helping them integrate into the education system and adapt to new challenges.
CCR is renowned for its asylum programmes. “For many years, we were part of the regional office covering Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus, where Moldova was always praised for its efficient integration and inclusive approach”, Djavid explains. This reputation has helped the organization to gain international support and expand its activities.
Under his leadership, CCR has become a trusted partner for both refugees and the authorities. The organization continues to contribute to the image of the Republic of Moldova as an open and welcoming country, providing opportunities to those who find a new home here. The Charity Centre for Refugees promotes solidarity and a commitment to refugee integration.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
