Citizen participation in making decisions and solving problems at a community level is a crucial factor for Moldova, a nation that is building a democratic society, stated US Ambassador to Moldova Asif J. Chaudhry at a conference held to mark the completion of the Moldova Citizen Participation Program, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Program started in 2004 and was implemented by IREX, with USAID funding. During 6 years and a half there were implemented 324 community projects under the Program, in all the districts of the country. “The Program has achieved its goal. And although it has come to an end, the accumulated experience and the connections established with many different donors enabled the participants to participate actively in developing their communities”, said the diplomat. Among the many success stories mentioned at the conference was the community of Stefanesti village, who implemented over 20 projects, identifying financing sources for them. The Program also helped the NGO Alinare to establish a rest home for seniors in Capresti village, which has become one of the best social establishments in the country. “The implementation of the 324 projects under the Program also means that the same number of community problems have been solved”, stated Government Secretary Victor Bodiu at the conference. The official remarked that the ideas promoted by the Moldova Citizen Participation Program are fully in line with the government's decentralization policy and efforts to create a viable system of local authorities and improve the citizens' living standards throughout the country. Most of the initiative groups that received assistance under the Program are continuing their activities, managing to attract funding from local sources and foreign donors to a total amount of $20 million, said Oleg Bursuc, the Program's director. Many participants in the Program also remarked its educational impact on people, the fact that it helped them regain confidence in themselves. The Program was extended to cover the eastern districts as well, with 43 community projects being implemented there to repair schools, social and cultural establishments, and provide equipment and training.