Young volunteers from the Network of 44 Youth Centers in Moldova, with the support of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), have launched an online mobilization campaign to support the fight against the spread of the coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19). They have taken the urge of the authorities to stay at home trying to persuade their friends, relatives, especially the grand-parents, to do the same, IPN reports, quoting a press release of UNFPA.

The first to join the initiative was the Ungheni Youth Center, which challenged young people to be the directors of their quarantine at home and to plan their time in a pleasant and useful way. Thus, they thought for each day a new action that they promoted on the Centre’s page, challenging other young people to follow their example.

Mihaela Revenco, a volunteer at the Cimislia District Youth Center, joined the campaign with a message to the elderly, using her example. She posted a short video with the hashtag #IStayHomeWithGrandMa, where her grandmother calls on everyone to stay home, urging especially the elderly to take self-isolation measures because they are the most at risk of infection.

Another appeal to young people, this time launched through photography, was posted by the Straseni Youth Center. Ana Scutelnic, the Center’s volunteer, mobilized her friends, volunteers as well, to take photos of their daily routine activities at home, and collected in a photo collage.

Nigina Abaszada, Resident Representative, UNFPA Moldova, said the young people are a valuable resource and network during public health crises and emergencies. With the necessary support and training, they can help break the chain of infection. “This is the time to show intergenerational solidarity – how young people can support the elderly population which is most affected by the pandemic. UNFPA will continue to work with Youth Centers and will involve young people safely and effectively as agents of change and mobilizers while empowered to play an important role in responding to the pandemic,” stated Nigina Abaszada.

So far, seven Youth Centers joined the campaign, and messages have reached more than 4000 young people. The online mobilization campaign will continue until the end of April and will involve famous people and young influencers to reach as many people as possible. All face-to-face activities at the Youth Centers were suspended owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.