Moldovan Alumna Reaches out to Disabled Youth in Chisinau

With the support of an ECA Project Smile grant, Irina Bocan partnered with ten volunteers and specialists from the NGO ‘Motivatie’ and the Community Center for Children and Youth to organize a series of aqua-therapy and cooking classes for 13 youth with disabilities in Chisinau. The primary goals of the project were to provide the children with opportunities to enhance their communication and motor skills, as well as develop independent life skills. Aqua-therapy sessions were be led by a social worker and medical assistant trained in providing such services. The activities were held 2-3 times per week over the span of one month. Bocan notes that the project was a success and ultimately, the children “went home with more confidence in their potential, with improved abilities, new knowledge and experience they were eager to apply at home in helping their mothers.”