As many as 147 young people from Moldovan villages were able to start their own businesses with the help of grants obtained within European projects. The results were presented in a public event, PN reports.

As part of the projects “Addressing the negative effects of migration on minors and families left behind” and “Supporting the implementation of the migration and development component of the EU – Moldova Mobility Partnership”, there were trained 750 persons. 147 young people received grants of up to €2,000 to start and develop their own businesses.

Antonio Polosa, Head of the International Organization for Migration Mission, said it is important to invest in human resources in rural areas as the largest part of the population lives there.

Irina, 26, set up a massage parlor in her native village. “The project helped me to develop here, at home, without needing to go abroad. They offered me a table for manual massage, electric chair for massage and the apparatus needed for physiotherapy so that I could start my small business,” said the young woman.

“I worked abroad and decided to found a rabbit farm with the earned money. The IOM and ODIMM (Organization for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Sector Development) helped me to purchase cages for the new generations of rabbits,” said grant recipient Roman Popa.

The projects were implemented in 2010-2013 with financial support from the IOM and ODIMM.