Quality education and protection for conflict-affected people and vulnerable groups in Moldova

WeWorld is launching a new project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), to address social tensions and challenges identified during the first two years of the response to the Ukraine refugee crisis. The project focuses on enhancing social inclusion and integration among Moldovan, Roma, and Ukrainian communities and strengthen community engagement and participation.

Starting in May 2024, the project will primarily be implemented in northern Moldova, in the towns of Soroca, Edineț, and Otaci. Due to their proximity to the Ukrainian border, these areas are home to diverse communities and groups. Additionally, WeWorld Moldova will oversee the rehabilitation of parts of three schools in central and southern Moldova, Anenii Noi, Orhei and Congaz, to improve access to quality education and support school enrollment.

By the end of summer 2024, WeWorld, through an external provider, will be conducting light rehabilitation of the canteens at the “Mihail Lomonosov” High School in Orhei and the “Alexandr Pușkin” High School in Anenii Noi, as well as insulating the external wall of the main building at “Todur Zanet” High School in Congaz.

The rehabilitation of the canteens in the two schools is crucial to ensure that children have access to clean, well-equipped dining spaces that meet national standards and regulations. This improvement will enhance the overall well-being and nutrition of students during school hours.

Given Moldova's harsh winters, the current lack of proper insulation of the external wall at the school in Congaz leads to significant mold growth and cold air infiltration, forcing teachers to overuse the heating system. This situation negatively impacts the health and comfort of both students and teachers. The insulation realized will be essential for creating a safer and healthier educational environment.

In addition to rehabilitating the school facilities, the project will support the families of the most vulnerable children from the three schools, providing them with access to summer camps in August 2024.

WeWorld Moldova is set to launch activities in October 2024 with the opening of three Community Spaces in Soroca, Otaci, and Edineț in northern Moldova, core activity of the project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). These spaces are designed to be nurturing hubs where teams of dedicated professionals will collaborate to offer a wide range of services, engaging Moldovan, Roma, and Ukrainian children, youth, and families.

The spaces will provide personalized psychosocial support for both individuals and groups, alongside educational and recreational activities such as English and digital classes. Educators, psychologists, and social workers will lead these activities. Specifically, language courses in English and Romanian and IT classes will be organized to enhance digital skills, equipping young Moldovans, Roma, and Ukrainians with better tools to thrive in school and improve access to employment opportunities.

Recreational activities will be tailored to ensure enjoyment and the development of emotional skills, creating a supportive environment for parents and caregivers, often women, to receive childcare assistance, enabling them to work. Children aged 7 to 18 will be welcome at these community spaces.

A significant focus will be placed on mental health and psychosocial support, with psychologists and social workers organizing educational activities on emotional learning and mental health, as well as conducting individual and group PSS sessions. Additionally, the team will emphasize education and awareness around child protection and gender-based violence, working closely with specialized organizations to provide support and response for survivors of violence.

Finally, the team will lead an extensive awareness-raising campaign on menstrual hygiene management and related protection issues. This campaign aims to increase knowledge about menstruation, addressing biological aspects, sociocultural biases, stigmas, and the associated risks of GBV and child protection. The campaign will include focus group discussions with girls and women, school events for boys and girls of different age groups, and informative sessions for teachers, parents, and community members.