Over forty Moldovan non – governmental organisations participate in NGOs Fair in Chisinau

Chisinau, 09 June /MOLDPRES/ – Over 40 non – governmental organisations in Moldova have participated today in NGO Fair, which took place in central Public Garden in Chisinau municipality.

According to the organisers, the event aim is to promote achievements of NGOs and sensitise citizens on importance of civic involvement. Thus, NGOs have informed public of their achievements and volunteering opportunities and support through percentage designation mechanism of 2 per cent. The visitors of fair participated in workshops and master classes, social experiments, exhibitions of handicraft items made by people with special needs, first aid demonstrations and other interactive activities.

At the event beginning, head of Parliamentary Commission on social protection, healthcare and family, Valentina Buliga, mentioned that civil society organisations are essential for a true democracy, as they ensure permanent connection of citizen and state, and interest of local public authorities is that this relationship to be as good as possible. "The associative life is a place of creativity, professional and collective training and citizenship education. The legislator believes that in a democratic society, civil society has right to be part of decision – making process and approved a number of regulations and laws that promote greater transparency and public involvement," said Buliga.

Attending the event, US Ambassador to Moldova, James D. Pettit, said that cornerstone of any democratic society is civic participation. "The US Government has encouraged development of Moldovan NGOs and civic activities. All Moldovans have to get involved within activities of their communities, either by setting up NGOs or by donating money," said US diplomat.

Interviewed by agency, executive director of Public Association "Concordia. Social Projects", Otilia Sarbu, mentioned that organisation she runs has two categories of beneficiaries: children left without parental care and elderly people. "Annually, about 6,000 people benefit from our help, out of which 55 per cent are elderly and 45 per cent are children. there are 100 children and 100 third-age people in placement. We have social canteens and daycare centres in 34 localities. We also have 16 family – type children's homes and community centres for children," added Sarbu.  

Similarly, Rodica Koretchi – Mocanu, Programme Coordinator at National Centre for Child Abuse Prevention, has said that yearly, there are interviewed about 70 child victims/witnesses of domestic violence and sexual abuse by experienced interviewers in special arranged places, and over 400 children and their families receive counseling and rehabilitation.

The event marked completion of Programme of Grants for Partnership for a Sustainable Civil Society in Moldova (MPSCS), implemented by FHI 360 and funded by USAID. The Partnerships for a Sustainable Civil Society in Moldova is a five – year programme that has collaborated with over 250 NGOs across Moldova. MPSCS has supported organisations with grants, mentoring and training, which have strengthened their viability and financial management, thus becoming more effective in promoting interests of citizens.

The NGO Fair was organised by support of USAID within Partnership for a Sustainable Civil Society in Moldova implemented by FHI 360.

(Reporter N. Roibu, editor A. Raileanu)