Civic engagement, human rights, combating stereotypes, promoting European values, life skills development, and career guidance were among the key topics addressed by 12 youth centers participating in the "Centrul Călător ReVine la TineRi" program. These mobile activities aimed to reach remote rural communities where young people often lack access to development opportunities.
This initiative is part of the "Joint Fund for Strengthening Youth Participation and Developing Youth Centers in the Republic of Moldova" program, implemented by UNFPA Moldova with support from the Ministry of Education and Research, the National Youth Agency, and the Swiss Government. Its primary goal is to enhance the quality and accessibility of youth services, especially for vulnerable groups, while fostering civic engagement among young people.
From August to October, youth centers organized over 120 activities for 2,632 people across different regions, including workshops, information sessions, quests, debates, and more.
"Mobile youth activities allow the centers to reach young people in remote areas and address their specific learning and development needs. We are particularly pleased to see synergies between youth programs, such as supporting the creation and strengthening of local youth councils and student councils, which help young people organize and engage in decision-making processes at the local level," said Olga Gordila Bobeico, Youth Participation Program Analyst at UNFPA Moldova.
Improving the quality and accessibility of youth services locally, including for vulnerable groups, is essential for building a more inclusive society. These initiatives integrate young people into decision-making processes, enhancing their skills and confidence while demonstrating the importance of their participation in the community.
"During our mobile activities, we aimed to cover topics of interest for young people. For instance, in one community, the school administration invited us back to deliver sessions on sexual education due to multiple cases of early pregnancies. Together with a psychologist from the Safe Space program, we discussed contraception methods, healthy behaviors, and harmonious relationships, providing young people with information on youth-friendly health services," said Dan Roșca, a youth worker from the Ungheni District Youth Center.
By expanding services and creating involvement opportunities, youth needs, especially in underserved areas, can be better addressed. This approach improves their quality of life and empowers them to become active citizens capable of contributing to the development of their communities.
"Every time we visit a new locality, young people enthusiastically welcome us. Many experience non-formal activities for the first time and invite us to return. In 10 localities, we delivered information sessions on volunteering, civic engagement, and a human rights-themed quest. Several young people expressed interest in accessing the Youth Center's activities, and five of them even requested volunteer ID cards," shared Cristina Boțan, Youth Specialist at the Orhei Youth Center.
In the summer of 2024, UNFPA donated five minibusses to the youth centers in Bălți, Cahul, Ungheni, Criuleni, and Fălești. These vehicles provide mobile services to thousands of young people, including refugees, and carry out awareness-raising and gender-based violence prevention activities as part of the "Safe Spaces for Women, Youth, and the Elderly" program.
Youth centers in Moldova are safe and friendly spaces offering personal development opportunities, decision-making experiences, and participation in programs across various areas of interest. They also ensure access to information and support young people in developing and implementing their initiatives.
