EU, UNDP support socio-economic inclusion efforts for refugees
12:55 | 05.10.2022 Category: Social
Chisinau, 5 October /MOLDPRES/- The European Union (EU) provides support to 14 communities of the Republic of Moldova that host refugees from Ukraine through the Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) initiative, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The support, in a total amount of €290,000, includes the distribution of first aid kits, household appliances, furniture, mattresses, heaters, and IT equipment, and the opportunity to take part in an IT training program and study the Romanian language for hundreds of refugees. The courses will be organized in the municipality of Bălți and in Găgăuzia region until the end of the current year. Knowledge of the Romanian language and of IT skills will help refugees to easier find jobs.
“The local public authorities are on the front line and need additional support for the labour market integration of people fleeing the war in Ukraine. The support provided by the European Union for Romanian language training of refugees and mediators will help them to find a decent job and integrate in the local communities. By this initiative we will improve local capacities and business infrastructure and stimulate the creation of new businesses in the regions of the Republic of Moldova,” said Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.
At the same time, within the 14 localities that are beneficiaries of the assistance program, free Internet access will be made available in public parks. A mediator will also be employed in each of the beneficiary municipalities, with the support of the EU. The mediator will facilitate refugees' access to information about the services available to them and will be involved in solving issues such as employment or enrolment of children in school.
The towns of Dondușeni, Drochia, Bălți, Telenești, Călărași, Ungheni, Ceadîr-Lunga, Cimișlia, Cărpineni, Leova, Cahul and the villages of Selemet, Copceac and Palanca are the communities that will benefit from assistance to support refugees.
