The Bureau for Diaspora Relations has launched a program of thematic grants intended for the Moldovans from abroad. Within the “Diaspora Engagement Hub”, 39 thematic grants to the value of 125,000 Swiss francs will be provided during a year for consolidating the diaspora and attracting human capital and innovative projects, IPN reports.
In the launch conference, the Bureau’s head Valeriu Turea said that this program is a proof of the slight modification of the approach to the relations between the Bureau and the diaspora, the program being a vast one. “We cannot remain at the previous stages because the diaspora evolved during the last few years and we have many examples of involvement of our communities from abroad in Moldova’s development, especially at the local level,” he stated.
The program has three subprograms. The first is aimed at convincing the Moldovans from abroad to return home for a period of two weeks to two months to implement academic, social and economic development projects. Eighteen grants of 2,000 Swiss francs each will be provided in this regard.
The second subprogram will support the innovative ideas of the diaspora with 16 grants of 4,000 Swiss francs each, while the third subprogram will promote regional thematic partnerships with five grants of 5,000 Swiss francs each. This subprogram is designed for initiative groups consisting of at least two associations from minimum two countries, plus an NGO from Moldova. The political, philanthropic and strictly cultural projects and those financed by more than two additional sponsors will not be accepted.
Those interested in these subprograms can submit applications at brd.gov.md. According to Valeriu Turea, if the projects are interested, the number of grants can be extended.
Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova Simone Giger expressed confidence that a moment will come when the partners, together with the authorities and beneficiaries, will enjoy the results of the proposed projects that will be implemented.
The grants program is financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and will be implemented by the Bureau for Diaspora Relations in concert with the International Organization for Migration’s Mission to Moldova.
