Those who took part in the opening of the America Days in Moldova on the pedestrian street Eugen Doga in Chisinau enjoyed American food, interactive games and information sessions about projects financed by the U.S. The event is held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic and friendly relations between Moldova and the United States. Among the invitees was Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița, IPN reports.
The Premier underlined the contribution made by the U.S. to developing road infrastructure, the water supply and sewerage network and to strengthening the wine industry in Moldova, noting that there are many examples showing the support offered by the United States and its role as a “reliable partner and real friend”. “We know that we follow a path based on democratic values, the observance of human rights, the rule of law, an economy centered on free competition together with our partner, the United States,” said Natalia Gavrilița.
U.S. Ambassador to Moldova Kent D. Logsdon said the goal of America Days is to present a small part of the culture of the United States in Moldova. ”That’s why we bring American food, American music and American films to Chisinau, Căușeni, Cahul, Edineț, Bălți and Rezina. Since Moldova’s Independence, the United States has invested almost US$2 billion to help Moldova respond to its immediate challenges and to build a prosperous and safe democratic future,” stated the ambassador.
There were put up info tents to inform about the visitors about projects financed with the assistance of the American people. The participants could first pass through the Info Point area where they received a passport with the activities that they were to perform. Those who reached the final could taste free American food presented by the organizers.
Maria Stratan, coordinator of the Legal Socialization in Moldovan Schools Program, said the program promotes an innovative approach to prevent juvenile delinquency and to teach legal education in schools. As part of the program, Education for Legal Socialization is taught as an optional subject. Besides, there are staged the extracurricular activities Stem and Forensics, provided grants to schools and NGOs, organized summer schools for students entitled “Police Explorer”. “The program started with 20 pilot schools where these activities were launched. During the fourth implementation year, we worked with 113 national schools,” stated the program coordinator.
The project to create the Legal Resources Center from Moldova, which is another initiative implemented with U.S. support, is at the development stage. “The idea of our center is to offer assistance and all the services needed by the victim of domestic violence and sexual violence, under the same roof,” stated Ruxanda Revencu, program director. The victim either calls the police or goes to a nongovernmental organization. These two institutions will ensure connection with the Family Justice Center that will offer services in crisis situations, such as the collection of evidence and questioning of victims.
The program of the second edition of America Days in Moldova continues in Căușeni, in Main Square, on September 17, in Cahul, in Central Independence Square, on September 18, in Edinet , at District Council Square, on September 23, in Balti, in Main Vasile Alecsandri Square, on September 24, and in Rezina, in City Hall Square, on September 25.
