The Regional Center of Information and Assistance for NGOs “Contact-Cahul” set the objective of familiarizing the people from southern Moldova with the European values and the benefits of the rapprochement with the EU. Therefore, the Center staged a motor caravan within which it disseminated information about the EU to people who do not have access to such information.

Silvia Strelciuc, executive director of “Contact-Cahul”, has told IPN that the goal of the event was to inform the people from southern Moldova about the process of coming closer to the EU and how this process will influence their lives. “We traveled on the Cahul – Vulcanesti – Taraclia – Ceadir-Lunga – Comrat – Cantemir – Cahul route. Practically in every village situated on the route we distributed information, while in towns we staged artistic activities. The caravan consisted of 15 vehicles with 55 volunteers who promote the European values,” she stated.

In every town there were held different events to inform the people about the EU’s support for improving the quality of the national roads, health, energy security and other areas. The volunteers transmitted messages verbally and distributed leaflets, but also put on performances to attract the people’s attention.

“We discovered people thirsty for information who supported our message. But we were also insulted and accused of staging provocations. Such events helped us to realize what we should do to organize more efficient campaigns,” said Silvia Strelciuc. She added that this event is a novelty and covered settlements with national minorities where they promoted the European values among Russian speakers and among those with reduced access to information about the EU.

The caravan “Europe for You” was an apolitical event organized by “Contact-Cahu” within the FHI 360 Project “Moldova Partnerships for Sustainable Civil Society” that is supported financially by USAID.