June 23, 2016
Moldova
Almost a million Moldovans of working age left their country, which is the poorest in Europe, to work abroad. The children of those who have migrated depend on their grandparents or other family members for care. The children who do not have family to care for them can end up in foster or institutional care.
According to the survey over 62 % of Moldovan children saw their parents migrate at some stage of their lives. Children growing up without one or both parents face social exclusion and declining school attendance and results. In the worst case scenario they become victims of abuse, violence and neglect. This can also lead to issues with alcohol, drugs and prostitution.
In order to prevent the placement of children in institutional care Caritas Czech Republic in cooperation with the partner organization SocioPolis has trained 850 workers operating in children’s social protection. They included educators in children’s homes, foster parents, social workers and local authorities’ representatives for the social and legal protection of children. The courses were held for a total of 55 groups from across the country, it focused on the transfer of knowledge and skills regarding the education and training of children in foster care.
The training module was drawn up by psychologists in collaboration with experts on sociological surveys. It was published and printed in Romanian and Russian languages, and approved by the Moldovan Ministry of Social Affairs as the official training material for social workers and foster parents.
During the final conference for this project in mid-June the overall outcome of activities of Caritas Czech Republic was assessed.
Strengthening of the system of social protection for vulnerable groups of children in Moldova was supported with funds from the Czech Development Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic under the framework of International Development Cooperation of the Czech Republic.
