„When I first came to one of the activities organized by the Youth Center, I understood that this is my place. It's about me”. This is how the story of Nicoleta Reaboi begins, a student in the 9th grade at the „Vasile Coroban” High School in the city of Glodeni and a volunteer at the Youth Center in the same locality. She is 15 years old and is passionate about acting and journalism. She actively participates in various activities that are organized in the locality. She is a screenwriter, director and reporter. From February 2023 until now, the young girl has managed to gather a wealth of experience and contribute to the development of her community.

She says that the decision to get involved in volunteer activities came from a personal desire to make as many young people in her community as possible learn about the opportunities that the Youth Center offers. „I wanted other young boys and girls to feel what I felt: courage, appreciation, loyalty, motivation, friendship, gratitude”, said Nicoleta.

The girl states that the emergence of Youth Centers, various NGOs for young people, the development of projects and programs created for the young generation contribute to making their voices heard. „These are the channels through which we, the young people, can get involved in the life of the community. We can make correct decisions alongside and together with adults”, the volunteer emphasized. The same idea can be found in the statement of the Executive Director of UNFPA, Dr. Natalia Kanem, on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child 2023. „Instead of excluding a girl, put her in the spotlight. Instead of silencing her, give her a microphone. Listen carefully to what she has to say. Give her the chance to be the creator of her own destiny and become a force for positive change”, the statement said.

Nicoleta remembers all the activities she participated in. For a while, she was the host of a show on a YouTube channel, in which she brought stories of young talents to the fore. The most memorable for her was the „YouCreate” program, organized with the support of the UNFPA in partnership with Terre des Hommes Moldova. This project focuses on the involvement and empowerment of young people in community development and promoting positive changes in society. Within the events, young people have the opportunity to develop their creativity and leadership skills.

Nicoleta also says that thanks to her participation in the events organized by the Youth Center, she broadened her knowledge and developed various skills. „I developed my ability to speak freely and beautifully in front of the public, I learned a lot about human psychology, which helps me communicate easily with people and make new friends. I learned that everyone is equal and must be respected”, emphasized the girl.

The volunteer is firmly convinced that her involvement contributes directly to the development and improvement of the community in which she lives and believes that everyone can contribute to this change, which is why she invited several young people to the Center. „I want to prove to young people that everyone can contribute to the improvement of the community”, concluded Nicoleta.

The girl also says that the ability to communicate is one of the most important skills for her and that she sees her future in this field. „I am an artistic person, I like to speak in public, attend concerts, teach lessons. I think I developed this talent specifically at the Youth Center”.

On October 11, we mark the International Day of the Girl Child, which aims to promote gender equality and equal opportunities for girls around the world. We were curious to find out from Nicoleta if young women in Moldova have enough opportunities for involvement and learning. „I think the Republic of Moldova is on a good path. The situation has changed during the past years, and girls have the opportunity to learn, express their opinions, and lead independent lives. It is wonderful that there are more and more projects made exclusively for girls”, she emphasized.

Nicoleta encourages the young boys and girls of our country to get involved as much as possible in volunteer activities and to participate in various civic initiatives organized by the youth centers, to take full advantage of all the opportunities offered to them. She believes that every experience is a lesson learned. Talking about her future plans, Nicoleta mentioned that she wants to become a Romanian language teacher. „I want to continue to guide young people, give them advice and help them. What could be more beautiful than that?”