SUMMATIVE CONFERENCE

On Wednesday, March 23, the representative of Hilfswerk Austria in the Republic of Moldova NGO (HWA) conducted a summative conference of the “Vocational Education and Rural Development” project.

The event, moderated by Anatol Bucatca, HWA country manager, gathered more than 80 participants, including presidents and vice presidents; chiefs of sections and directorates; mayors; economic agents; directors of educational institutions; craftsmen; etc. from the five participating districts: Orhei, Teleneşti, Rezina, Şoldǎneşti and Sîngerei. Among the guests were Mrs. Heidi Burkhart and Ms. Julia Weber, representatives from Hilfswerk Austria International, and Mrs. Corina Girla, representing the Austrian Development Cooperation.

The conference included the topics:

• “Vocational Education and Rural Development” project (objectives, activities and results)
• Vocational Training center in the village of Grigorǎuca, Sîngerei district
• Consulting center institutionalized in the ADR - Center, engine of initiatives’ development in the region
• Small Grants program, an agent of change in the region
• Training programs and their topics
• Tourism Investment project - Return to Ancestors (Rogojeni village, Şoldǎneşti district)

The conference launched three studies as well:

• Situations and perspectives of young people from rural areas
• Socioeconomic diagnosis of rural communities
• A guide for investors

The “Vocational Education and Rural Development” project was implemented by HWA with the financial sources of the Government of Austria through the Austrian Development Cooperation. Its goal is to improve the standard of living, eradicate poverty and empower communities through rural development initiatives, local actions and workforce compliance training.