Play is not a distraction — it is a fundamental need in every child’s development. Through play, children explore the world, express emotions, build relationships, and develop cognitive and social skills that shape their entire future. But for many vulnerable children in rural Moldova, safe spaces to play simply do not exist. Homes are often overcrowded and stressful, and public spaces are limited or unsafe.

At The Moldova Project, we believe that every child deserves a place where they can feel free, safe, and valued. That’s why we created the Playroom Project — a network of vibrant, welcoming spaces where children can grow, relax, and simply enjoy being children.

We currently manage 17 fully equipped Playrooms, including one specifically designed for adults with disabilities. These Playrooms are spread across underserved rural communities and are visited regularly by hundreds of children each month, many of whom have little or no access to other recreational or emotional outlets.

Each Playroom is stocked with:

• Toys, games, books, and creative materials
• Computers, tablets, TVs
• Arts and crafts supplies to stimulate imagination and fine motor development
• Comfortable spaces for reading, role play, storytelling, and guided activities
• Supervision and facilitation by trained staff and volunteers

But Playrooms are more than colorful rooms — they are intentional environments for emotional well-being, inclusion, and child protection. Within them:

• Children from different backgrounds (including those in our programs, local community, and refugee families) interact freely, building empathy and friendships
• Emotional expression is encouraged through storytelling, drawing, and group activities
• Children who may struggle in school or at home gain a safe space where they can develop self-esteem and trust
• Early signs of emotional or psychological distress can be discreetly identified by our trained staff, who then connect the child to appropriate support

All Playrooms are free and open to every child in the community, helping break down social and economic barriers. In many villages, they have become true community hubs, used not just for play but also for workshops, special events, and meetings that promote inclusion, awareness, and local collaboration.

The Playroom Project is one of our most joyful and transformative initiatives — because when children have a place to feel safe and express themselves freely, everything changes: their behavior, their sense of self-worth, their relationship with others, and their hope for the future.