The Social Investment Fund II and Energy II Project in Moldova were named winners at the contest of the World Bank (WB) with the title: “Improving the lives of people from Europe and Central Asia, 2009 – a celebration of learning and innovation competition,” Info-Prim Neo has learnt from a communique of the institution. “I am delighted that Moldova has two winner projects in this year’s contest,” Melanie Marlett, world Bank Moldovan Country Manager stated. “The Social Investment Fund II and Energy II Projects are successful examples of partnerships at the community level. Weather we talk about renovated schools and kindergartens, rehabilitated roads, warm houses or modern hospitals, it is clear that the two projects have had an impact on the quality of life of many Moldovans across the country,” Melanie Marlett underlined. The Moldova Social Investment Fund II Project was launched in August, 2004. It has the goal to empower communities and vulnerable groups to manage their own development priorities through funding for community development activities, social care services and capacity building at a local level. The project has assisted over 250 localities in addressing local development needs. It has provided access to natural gas and funded major improvements in roads, schools, kindergartens, cultural centers and other social institution across the country, reads the release. The project is to be implemented till March 31, 2010. Energy II Project, launched in March, 2004, has the goal to improve the security and reliability of the electricity transmission system and to improve the availability, quality and efficiency of heating in selected buildings. Up to present, over 35 schools and kindergartens, and 37 residential buildings have been able to renovate or install new heating systems, reads the communique “The present world financial and economic crisis affected all countries from the Europe and Central Asia Region, in one way or another,” Shigeo Katsu, the vice president for Europe and Central Asia, said. “But the appreciated programs and projects prove the way in which sustainable effort, innovation and follow-up help produce results that improve the daily lives of people from the Region. These also prove what countries can achieve through a continuous partnership with the World Bank,” Katsu stated. The goal of the event “Improving the lives of people from Europe and Central Asia 2009 – a celebration of learning and innovation,” which unfolds in February from 18 to 19 with the participation of external partners, consists of sharing knowledge, experience and information among the World Bank staff and its counterparts. Handing out prizes took place at the general quarter of the World Bank in Washington. Moldova has become winner joint with the other 11winners, among which is Romania, Turkey, Serbia, Georgia and other countries from the region. Those 13 winner projects are fit into four strategic pillars: International Development Association (IDA) at work, making a difference in middle-income countries, Addressing global challenges, and innovation through knowledge and learning, also reads the communique The first competition of the results in the region of Europe and Central Asia of the World Bank took place in April, 2008.