January 20, 2016
Moldova
On 30 November 2015, a public meeting at Comrat University was held, which focused on Including youth in public life in the town. Together, 101 visitors of different ethnic groups from the autonomous region of Gagauzia met on university grounds, including: students alone, members of so called action groups formerly established by Caritas CR, local citizens, journalists and representatives of towns involved in Caritas CR activities.
The public was invited for the event via posters, announcements and billboards placed in Comrat public venues (capital of Gagauzia). These advertisements could be found at the town hall, university, parks or municipal offices.
The meeting’s atmosphere was positive productive. It offered members of the youth action groups from all five villages involved (Cairaclia, Cazaclia, Gaidar, Ceadir-Lunga, Vulcanesti) the opportunity to present their activities, which were realized thanks to grants. They also presented the challenges they faced and their newly gained experiences. There was an overall change in personal attitudes about public engagement.
Students of Comrat University – together with the dean – presented their projects. They focused mainly on activities dedicated to vulnerable children and seniors. One project in particular that was a citizens' initiative called Warm hands.
During the lunch break, participants discussed the importance of personal development of young people and their decision-making abilities. Questions were raised regarding the possibility of establishing their own non-profit organizations in their birth villages. Others inquired about volunteer opportunities with existing groups.
The meetings served as a good platform to strengthen cooperation between towns, the university environment and local authorities, all the while promising a big impact on the region. Prominent personalities, including university employees, continue to support the young people in the region. They have promised to continue their support for their new activities. Many have begun actively cooperating by planning activities themselves whose outcomes we can look forward to in the near future. A great thanks goes out to the massive advertisement campaign and the Comrat Scientific Institute for its continued interest.
Caritas CR operates in Gagauzia in cooperation with the Association for Development of Women Entrepreneurship - Success. Caritas CR’s activities in this region were financially supported by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Program of Transformational Cooperation.
