In the modern world, knowledge and skills with information and communication technology (ICT) is essential to finding work, especially in a difficult economic climate. Thanks to the IATP [7] center in Moldova, two people have found a new job or earned a promotion after completing ICT training courses.
Last year, Natalia Doiciu, a 2009 graduate of IATP training in Comrat, Moldova, was hired as an office manager at the local NGO Public Movement of Women of Large Families and Women Entrepreneurs of Gagauzia. Although more than ten people with well-developed computer skills applied for the position, thanks to IATP training, Doiciu was chosen as she also demonstrated sophisticated Web design knowledge, which the organization required.
This year, after helping the NGO Biaz Gul (White Rose) develop an information sharing project, Natalia was asked to become its Project Coordinator. This was a surprise for Doiciu. She commented, “I didn't think that the management of the NGO White Rose would offer me this position. I simply helped write the project, using the knowledge gained through IATP’s Management of a Project Cycle seminar. Working as the Project Coordinator, I am able to continue my studies at the university, as my previous office manager salary was not enough to pay the tuition at the State University of Comrat.”
Fifty-five year old Anastasia Gargalic also benefitted from her time as an IATP trainee. Gargalic learned about the Comrat IATP Center from the National Employment Agency, where she was registered as unemployed for more than a year. Gargalic and other five others completed IATP training sessions in October 2010, and immediately after this, Anastasia found a job as an accountant at a private construction firm. The employer’s interest was piqued by Gargalic’s CV, which she wrote according to European standards during an IATP job-finding seminar. Gargalic mentioned: “I am an educated person, but I lost many hiring opportunities due to lack of computer knowledge. Many times I tried to learn at home, but I was too afraid to make mistakes, or click on something wrong. After attending courses offered by IATP, I gained more knowledge and confidence, and now I am even more motivated to work and re-begin my career; and all this thanks to IATP.”
Since its opening in September 2008, the IATP center in Comrat has also helped two young girls from vulnerable families to find jobs in their communities; and 15 others have found work in the last two years thanks to IATP training services.