Volunteers clear La Izvor Park of trash, photo (c) NewsMaker
As noted in the bill, volunteer activities may be credited to employees’ working hours. The engaging organization covers the costs of transportation, accommodation, meals, travel and insurance if necessary. Upon completion of the volunteer program, a certificate of volunteerism is issued. This used to be a volunteer certificate, but it only counted hours of service and did not take into account experience and skills gained.
Marchel Marin, head of the Youth Directorate at the Ministry of Education and Science, says the new bill sets much clearer requirements for organizations on what they should provide to volunteers – more support, training and involvement in decision-making.
“So the relationship between the volunteer and the organization is now much better structured, but without centralization from the ministry. We trust our partners, especially those who work in the field of volunteering,” Marin said. He added that a program to support volunteering and host organizations will be presented, including planned financial resources.
Volunteering in a certified volunteer program can be done by anyone over the age of 14, but under the age of 16, they can only do so with the written consent of a parent or legal guardian. Foreign volunteers are provided with a simplified procedure for granting the opportunity to reside on the territory of Moldova.
The new law on volunteering is to be adopted in the second reading.
