Owing to the effort made by nongovernmental organizations, the Republic of Moldova sees notable progress in consolidating the non-profit sector and in intensifying public participation in civic activities. An example in this regard is the direction of 2% of the income tax to an NGO, U.S. Ambassador James Pettit stated in the NGO Fair that was staged in the central park of Chisinau on June 9, IPN reports.
The diplomat said the transfer of 2% of the income tax to an NGO as of last year is a relevant example of public engagement. Thus, over 50,000 Moldovans could direct several million lei for important causes for them as citizens. This figure is expected to rize annually as every citizen is aware of this donation possibility.
''Civic engagement is the foundation stone of any democratic society. Five years ago, the U.S. Government initiated the program ''Moldova Partnerships for Sustainable Civil Society'' to encourage the Moldovans to become more involved in what the improvement of the country means,'' said James Pettit. He voiced hope that Parliament will continue to cooperate with civil society in improving the environment so that the NGOs could function.
The diplomat encouraged all the Moldovans to become involved in projects in their communities by volunteering activities or by founding an own NGO or by donating money for causes that are important for them and their families. ''We should not forget that a better future for the citizens is possible only by participation and cooperation,'' concluded the U.S. ambassador.
