Citizens in villages across Moldova are mobilizing to improve their communities with the help of IREX’s Moldova Citizen Participation Program (CPP) [6]. Since November 2004, CPP has helped strengthen the capacity of citizens to use democratic process to create tangible and positive change. Through training, coaching, and grants, IREX CPP increases citizens’ awareness of their potential to make a difference and promotes local self-reliance while improving living and social conditions in communities throughout Moldova. Fifty-two CPP-funded citizen projects are currently underway - from water wells or school heating systems to bakeries or youth centers - each featuring a blend of multi-sector partnerships and creative community collaboration.
PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Student Initiative Sparks Citizens into Action
Tired of freezing chills in winter and stuffy unventilated classrooms in summer, the 9th-graders of Gymnasium N-2 in Chetrosu spawned an initiative to improve their school by replacing a whole wing of windows and both central entrances. Supported by school Director Domnica Novac, Deputy Director Galina Moraru, town Mayor Emilia Surlaru, teachers and parents, the project expanded, involving dozens of pupils and citizens. The enthusiasm of the group convinced the IREX Citizen Participation Program team to award a grant of USD 25,000 for the renovation of Gymnasium N-2.
Rotating class locations to safely disassemble rotten window casings while maintaining academic schedules, work crews of four professionals and a group of children, parents and teachers, managed to replace 109 battered windows with new glass and durable frames, while at the same time refurbishing and painting the window sills. They also installed new glass paneled doors at the front and back school entrances. Students not only participated actively in the renovations, but also served as resourceful monitors; when one new window had a crack or another frame was off-kilter, they informed the school director and the work was redone. Pleased with the shiny new glass entryway, students decided that the adjoining steps and wall looked shabby, so they organized a disco party fundraiser to buy cement and other necessary material to fix the floor and plaster and paint the interior.
At each phase, the innovative staff of Gymnasium N-2 blended project themes into classroom curriculum, creating and posting student’s poems and drawings, in appreciation of funders’ and participants’ various donations. “If we want to live well, like Americans do, it is not necessary to go there; we can join our efforts and work here at home, so that our country prospers too,” noted school director Domnica Novac.
On October 30th, with the renovations completed, the community gathered to celebrate. The students of Chetrosu’s Gymnasium N-2, dressed in traditional Moldovan costumes, performed traditional Ciulandra dances while a crowd of over 200 students, current and retired teachers, parents and citizens filled the school auditorium and the hallway, cheering them throughout the entire performance. Young dancers were twirling in cojocs and catrintas (embroidered vest and apron), students recited personal poems about community pride, and dozens of project contributors received handmade “active citizen” diplomas. One young student enthusiastically shouted, “Look how nice our windows are – as if they are smiling at us!”
A Community Rallies to Care for Homebound and Elderly Patients
Recupare, a local NGO in Telenesti, is collaborating with local youth, neighbors and seniors to provide medical and social services in the home and at their local clinic, including laundry facilities, showers, food and hygienic items, and medical or physiotherapeutic assistance. Skilled practitioners train citizen volunteers to provide residential services to homebound or physically disabled patients, and integrate the community in ongoing social events for persons isolated by chronic illness or disability.
Visually Impaired Citizens Launch a Vegetable Crate Business
Tired of asking for charity, a group of blind and partially-sighted citizens in Soroca formed NGO Luminatorul (the one giving light), conducted market research, and decided to purchase specially-adapted equipment to make vegetable and fruit crates needed by local farmers. They also mobilized fellow citizens to repair donated factory space, help identify clients and sign contracts, and plant trees to create a mini-park around the factory premises.
In addition to the citizen initiatives highlighted above, to date IREX-CPP grants have supported 48 projects resulting in new heating systems, water wells and pumps, windows, school restrooms, roads, cultural centers with internet, handicraft industries and a bakery. New projects also target advocacy campaigns aimed at improving human rights, local government transparency, and equal access.
