Eight Moldovan civil society organizations on June 22 were awarded by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova for the implemented EU-funded projects. The SCOs through their initiatives promoted democratic changes in society, gender equality and assisted the population in overcoming social crises, IPN reports.
In the third edition of the European Union Civil Society Awards Gala, the Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova Janis Mazeiks said that civil society in Moldova is an example in the management of the refugee crisis as this showed extraordinary mobilization and demonstrated that Moldova is indeed a small country with a big heart.
The European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) won the award For Stronger Governance, for the best initiative to promote democratic changes in society and decision-making. With the assistance of the EU, ALDA mobilized people, civil society and the authorities to develop Cimișlia town, contributing to rehabilitating a local park and the sight “Vatra Cimișliei”, which was tuned into a touristic jewel. The actions were taken as part of the project “Activation of Government Reform for Improving Development” that was implemented by ALDA with the EU’s assistance.
East Europe Foundation got the award For a Stronger Economy, for the initiative that contributed the most to intelligent, sustainable and inclusive economic development, reducing this way poverty and creating jobs. The steps were taken in the framework of the project “Civil Society Contributes to the Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development of the Country”. Nearly 70% of the total budget of the Foundation each year goes to provide grants, to support local initiatives. “With the assistance of the European Union, we develop the values that we would like to implement together with the citizens of the EU at a particular moment... This award celebrates the successes of the mates we finance. We are very glad that we have responsible partners that change the lives of those who need this more than we need here, in Chisinau,” stated the Foundation’s president Sorin Mereacre.
The award For a Stronger Society went to the Association “AudiViz” for promoting social initiatives that meet the needs of the population, primarily women, children, older persons and persons with special needs.
The Public Association “Moldova Social Innovation Fund” received the award For Stronger Connectivity for implementing the best initiative in the fields of connectivity, energy efficiency, environment, climate change, access to water and sewerage.
The Social Mission “Diaconia” was awarded For a Response to the Social Crisis, being appreciated for its initiatives and prompt responses to help the population overcome social crises.
The award For Change Promotion was given to the Public Association “ANIMA” that implemented the best initiative in support of the youth.
The Center “Partnership for Development” was awarded For the Promotion of Gender Equality, for the best initiative that promotes gender equality and the emancipation of women.
The Public Association “HOMECARE” came into possession of the award For Confidence Building for implementing the best initiative to build confidence and reconciliation by concrete and viable solutions to some of the problems experienced by people from both sides of the Nistru River.
Last year, three Moldovan NGOs received the European Awards for Civil Society - Stronger Communities, offered by the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.
