Under the program, at least 24 applicants in Moldova will be able to apply for grants to develop projects of so-called integrated local services, which should meet the needs of parents in difficulty. Family-type kindergarten projects should focus on creating opportunities for both parental employment and early childhood care at the same time.
“This program is part of the EU’s commitment to support social cohesion in society and in facilitating access to basic services. Thanks to this project, local communities will have concrete means to support families in difficulty,” said Yulda Kielite, Head of the Economic Growth and Competitiveness Unit at the EU Delegation in the Republic of Moldova.
“We are building a solidarity society where parents are not forced to choose between childcare and economic survival. Our task is to create a social infrastructure adapted to the real needs of people in each locality. The grants will support the creation of kindergartens and encourage parents to find jobs,” said Daniela Leahu, Soros Foundation Project Director in Moldova.
During the project implementation, Keystone Moldova will support the beneficiary organizations in designing childcare services, cooperating with local authorities and involving parents in the decision-making process. Expert-Grup will provide analytical support and expertise in monitoring results based on labor market data and the number of employed parents.
The total budget of the project “Enhancing local employment opportunities and access to kindergartens for parents in vulnerable situations” is over EUR 3.8 million, of which about EUR 3.2 million is provided by the EU and EUR 600 thousand is the contribution of the Soros Foundation in Moldova.
