A hot air balloon was raised in Budesti commune of Chisinau municipality within a UNICEF global project initiated by international pilot Andrew Parker, who goes on a hot air ballooning journey to different countries to attract attention to children’s rights and to encourage children to follow their dreams. The huge balloon with the wording “Flying high for kids” was admired by several hundred children and parents together with officials and representatives of UNICEF, IPN reports.

Andrew Parker has visited over 20 countries in Europe, Australia and Central Asia, gathering children together around the idea that no matter in what country they live, they have the same rights and deserve to have a better life. Moldova is the 22nd country that he visited.

In Moldova, the hot air ballooning journey coincided with the 20th anniversary of the opening of the UNICEF office in the country. Nune Mangasaryan, the UNICEF Representative, committed the continuing support of the organization for all the children of Moldova, especially most vulnerable ones, to help improve their lives. “We are pleased that today's event takes place in a rural community, with children, families, parents, grandparents and authorities gathered together. I invite you all to join efforts for the future of children in Moldova, as we all want our children to be able to “Fly High” today and in future life,” said Nune Mangasaryan.

The Premier’s adviser on health protection and social development Boris Gilca said that Moldova did many reforms in such areas as health, education and child protection in order to enable the children to live better and they live better compared with 20 years ago. This wouldn’t have happened without the support of the development partners.

The Flying High For Kids World Balloon Project is a not-for-profit, four-and-a-half year project in support of UNICEF, which started in December 2013. It is an overland hot air ballooning journey through more than 100 countries.