Children who are treated for COVID-19 in Moldovan hospitals have received toys crafted by EduJoc workshop, the one that produced visors for doctors.

The toy sets, consisting of puzzles with Europe’s map, were made thanks to European Union’s support, offered through the EU Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP.

Igor Hîncu, the owner of the workshop, has delivered toys to four hospitals on the right bank of Nistru and made sure that the sets will get to children treated for COVID-19 in a medical institution on the left bank of the river.

“Children see us in different uniforms, not in usual hospital gowns. They see us with protective screens, goggles, masks. They cannot see if we smile or not. But now, when a doctor will come in with a toy, children will look at us differently, I think,” said Aurelia Iarovoi, deputy director at Municipal Children Hospital “Valentin Ignatenco”.

In Moldova, as of 20 May, 447 children and young people up to 19 years old were treated or are treated for COVID-19.

EduJoc workshop has started its operations four years ago, thanks to a laser cutting device, bought from a grant offered by the European Union through UNDP. This year, during the novel coronavirus pandemics, the owner of the company has temporarily shifted production to make and distribute free of charge protective screens for first line workers who fight the virus.

The EU Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP, aims at bringing closer people on both banks of Nistru, by involving them in joint development programmes.