In 2023, UNFPA supported the empowerment of over 88,000 adolescents and young people through participation and life skills development programs

In 2023, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA Moldova) continued to support adolescents and young people from various backgrounds and social categories to encourage them to be part of changes in their communities and to develop life skills that would enable them to make informed decisions regarding their personal and professional paths. With this goal in mind, throughout 2023, we supported over 88,000 adolescents and young people through programs and activities conducted in partnership with state institutions and civil society organizations.

Civic engagement and youth participation

We supported the National Youth Agency in strengthening the Youth Center Network, which expanded to 67 Centers across the country in 2023. At the same time, activities carried out both within and outside the Centers, through mobile youth work, reached over 72,000 young people, including young refugees, those with disabilities, and from the Roma community. Furthermore, through the YouCreate program, 17 youth civic initiatives were supported, and over 380 young people, along with youth workers and teachers, managed to bring positive changes to their communities.

Also in 2023, five local level II public authorities received support in developing youth local strategies and budgets. This strategic initiative, launched in 2019, has covered 19 local public authorities so far, representing 54% of the total 35. Moreover, the analysis report of the regional youth budgets, conducted annually with UNFPA support, shows that expenditures for youth under the "Culture, sports, youth, religious cults, and recreation" sub-programs constitute approximately 4.1% of the total, increasing by 1% compared to the previous year.

To support the strengthening of the knowledge and skills of youth workers, the process of developing a continuous training program for them has been initiated. Thus, youth workers will receive certified training with European recognition in the field of youth work.

Health education and life skills development in schools

Through health education and life skills development programs, we provided support to institutions in general and technical vocational education.

Four schools in the Republic of Moldova are part of a pilot program on health and menstrual hygiene. In these institutions, dispensers with sanitary pads were installed and provided free of charge to girls, medical and school psychologist offices were arranged, and a friendly classroom for studying life skills disciplines for adolescents was set up. Over 500 students and teachers participated in training sessions on menstrual hygiene, prevention of adolescent pregnancy, bullying, and free health services.

Also in 2023, the national communication campaign "Inspiring Schools" was launched, promoting a safe and friendly learning environment for both students and teachers.

In technical vocational education, 2461 students studied the "Decisions for a Healthy Lifestyle" course in 2023, conducted in classes equipped with interactive materials and supported by well-trained teachers with UNFPA assistance. This course is a valuable tool for learning and adopting healthy and responsible behaviors among young people. Additionally, a continuous training program for teachers teaching "Decisions for a Healthy Lifestyle" has been developed and accredited. Starting in 2024, the Center of Excellence in Light Industry in Chisinau and the Center of Excellence in Services and Food Processing in Balti will conduct this training program.

The Peer-to-Peer Educators Network in technical vocational education, created in 2020 by UNFPA, conducted over 200 information activities attended by 6240 adolescents and young people. Educational activities address topics such as healthy behaviors, prevention of adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, building responsible relationships with peers and adults, personal development and emotional resilience, increased confidence and self-esteem, etc.

In 12 dormitories of colleges, vocational schools, and Centers of Excellence in Chisinau, Balti, and the districts of Cahul, Nisporeni, Orhei, Rezina, and Râșcani, living rooms for students and teachers were modernized. These spaces were completely renovated and equipped with modern furniture, turning into multifunctional spaces for leisure activities.

Reproductive health education and life skills outside of school

To reach as many adolescents and young people with limited development and participation opportunities as possible, UNFPA partnered with several civil society organizations. Sixteen civil society organizations, including from the Transnistrian region, received support to develop and promote programs in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents and young people. Twenty-one resource persons were trained as facilitators in youth sexual and reproductive health education programs.

Additionally, 45 family members and caregivers of people with disabilities participated in specialized programs aimed at improving their knowledge of sexual and reproductive health. Thus, these adults were prepared to provide support and appropriate guidance to their adolescent children in the transition process to adulthood. As a result, over 300 young people from vulnerable groups participated in long-term sexual and reproductive health education programs, including 89 young people from rural areas, 69 from residential care institutions, 100 young people with disabilities, and 59 young people from the Transnistrian region.

These activities increase adolescents' and young people's access to alternative sources of information and connect them with youth-friendly service providers in reproductive health.

In October 2023, an international conference on youth sexual and reproductive health was organized in Chisinau. Representatives from 18 countries worldwide participated in the event. They learned about the progress made in school health education and the health and participation services offered to young people in the Republic of Moldova. This platform was vital for the exchange of ideas and best practices among experts from around the world.

Humanitarian response to the refugee crisis

Also in 2023, UNFPA conducted several humanitarian assistance programs for young refugees from Ukraine. Thus, over 8000 adolescents and young people participated in health education and life skills development programs, social cohesion activities, and psychosocial support offered by seven static safe spaces and five mobile safe spaces for youth. Menstrual hygiene products were provided to refugee girls and women.

Empowering adolescents and young people in Moldova is one of the main pillars of UNFPA's mandate. Every year, we aim to reach as many young people from various social categories with participation programs and life skills development activities. We express our gratitude and appreciation for the efforts and support provided by the partners and donors we collaborated with in 2023, and we will continue to do so in 2024.

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