“Moldovan Youth for Europe” Project was launched in Cahul Region.

Association for Women’s Entrepreneurial Development “SUCCES” has announced the launch of the “Moldovan Youth for Europe” Project. The two years youth-oriented project aims to promote and disseminate democratic values among young people from the republic of Moldova while contributing to their active involvement in the decision making processes at all levels of society. With financial support from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and together with its Czech partner, Caritas Czech Republic, NGO SUCCES is planning to improve social, economic and political environment for young people in Cahul District.

According to Erica Ceka, Project Manager: “The Project “Youth for Europe” will empower and raise awareness among young people regarding the problem of civic participation and will combat civic apathy among youth preparing them to become informed, active and tolerant citizens in their communities. By participation in the different project activities young people from Cahul region will benefit of systematic education on the role and importance of elections in a democratic society and  will become familiar with the Moldovan electoral system and procedures with emphasis on the upcoming local elections in the spring of 2011”

The proposed set of interactive activities planned to be implemented within the project, such as public debates with political leaders, peer to peer meetings in schools, and workshops on social media, democracy and promotion of European values, are aimed to increase youth interest in local electoral processes as well as the willingness and ability to express their political views through electoral participation. Also, within the project, young people will be encouraged to participate in the decision-making process at the local level.  Through the projects’ Small grants competition program they will have the opportunity to identify a problem, establish viable partnerships with LPA or private agents in order to better plan, implement and evaluate the implemented activities. All project activities and promotional materials will focus on the education of young people from Cahul region in the European spirit of partnership, unity and pluralism and common European cultural heritage.

The “Moldovan Youth for Europe” Project will be unique in its efforts to develop a deeper sense of belonging and solidarity with European values such as freedom, pluralism, tolerance, and equality, intercultural and inter-ethnic dialogue. A better understanding of Europe and its democratic principles will get youth more motivated to actively subscribe to these values and strive to maximize their integration into the local communities.

The project is implemented in partnership with Caritas Czech Republic and it is financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic through the Transition Promotion Program.