NGO volunteers from Transnistria and Gagauzia trained to help their communities

About 200 NGO representatives from the Transnistrian region and Gagauzia learned how to participate in public life and help their community. The training took place during a 3-year project of Contact Center, Info-Prim Neo reports. Contact manager Serghei Neicovcen said during the final conference that different methods, depending on each region’s characteristics, were used. In Transnistria, the focus has been on encouraging rural population’s initiatives and newly-created NGOs. In Gagauzia, the main target has been the development of the associative sector institutions. Project coordinator Dan Bogdea said 80 representatives of new NGOs in Transnistria and 125 members of initiative groups had participated in trainings and visited important NGOs on the other side of the Nistru River. Nine NGOs received $1500 grants. Besides, initiative groups implemented 30 projects of $1000, such as drinking water supply, improvement of kindergarten conditions, projects regarding healthcare, sports, culture, etc. In Gagauzia, 10 NGOs have been trained and helped to elaborate strategic development plans. Four NGOs received $5000 grants. The main projects targeted the advertising of volunteer work among youth, creating the conditions for an elderly people’s club and charity events for disabled persons. “Integrare” Association in Ceadir-Lunga was provided with necessary equipment and furniture and its office was repaired. Elderly people’s Club “Inspiratie” in Comrat received similar help in order to offer social and juridical protection services for older persons. In Slobozia, the initiative group of the Sports School for youth and children received equipment and uniforms. The project began 2007.