Avengers actor Tom Hiddleston recently visited Chișinău, Moldova, where he met with children who had fled the war in Ukraine, describing the heart-wrenching pain they had endured. During his trip, Tom spent time at Unicef-supported schools and education centers designed specifically for Ukrainian refugee children.
At the Divertis Day Centre in Chișinău, funded by Unicef, Tom interacted with nine-year-old Milana and her mother Yulia, who had escaped Ukraine following the invasion. Milana continues her education online while participating in various activities at the center to help her feel safe and connected after experiencing displacement.
Expressing his impressions from the visit, Tom highlighted the stark contrast between the children’s joy and the struggles shared by their mothers and caregivers. He commended Unicef for the positive impact on the children, emphasizing their growth, learning, and sense of safety and happiness.
Tom recorded his journey for a screening at Soccer Aid, where he will also participate, marking his third appearance in the event on May 31. The invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered a significant displacement crisis in Europe, with approximately 9.7 million people seeking refuge from the conflict.
Neighboring countries like Moldova have welcomed families escaping the war, with Unicef providing continuous support for displaced children, offering safe spaces, educational assistance, and psychosocial care to aid in their recovery.
During his interactions, Tom listened to mothers recounting their harrowing experiences fleeing Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of Unicef’s efforts in safeguarding the children and allowing them to have a normal childhood despite the risks they faced.
Reflecting on the impact of Unicef’s work, Tom acknowledged the sacrifices made by families and the critical role of support structures in ensuring children’s safety and well-being. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet these families and witness firsthand the difference Unicef’s initiatives were making.
Philip Goodwin, CEO of Unicef UK, emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by children displaced by the Ukrainian conflict and highlighted the essential role of sustained support in providing stability and protection for these children. Soccer Aid for Unicef serves as a crucial platform for translating public generosity into practical aid for children affected by crises, enabling them to have a secure environment to learn and grow.
Tickets for the upcoming game can be purchased on socceraid.org.uk/tickets, with options for both adults and juniors. Additionally, donations can be made ahead of the match at socceraid.org.uk/donate.