CALL FOR INVOLVEMENT At least 18 localities will learn how to engage migrants in local development

In 2016, 25 hometown associations were established, to ensure a favorable environment for a higher rate of migrants’ involvement in the development of their home communities. During the first year of activity, these associations managed to implement over 150 social initiatives, overall amounting to 2 mln lei. Among them, it is worth mentioning scholarships for children from vulnerable families, donations of goods and literature for schools and kindergartens, sport and cultural activities, support of local football and dance teams etc. However, the biggest achievement remains the pledging of 2.5 mln lei targeted for 23 local infrastructure projects, benefiting circa 40 thousand villagers from these communities.  

“Our goal is that each district of Moldova has at least one hometown association, to share this experience to a larger number of local authorities. Thus, successful models tested in the first 25 partner localities shall be scaled up in the following districts, not covered yet: Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Cantemir, Calarasi, Criuleni, Donduseni, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Leova, Ocnita, Orhei, Rezina, Riscani, Soroca, Soldanesti, Stefan Voda, so as the region of UTA Gagauzia”, notes Olesea Cazacu, manager of the “Migration and Local Development” Project.

The call is open until May 22 and can be accessed online. A selection criteria to be met is the number of population, at least 3.5 thousand persons, as well as a high rate of population living and working abroad.

Selected local authorities, in partnership with future hometown associations, shall benefit from nonrefundable grants for solving certain priority issues in the locality, identified jointly with natives abroad and the local community. They shall be supported to develop on-line crowdfunding campaigns for ensuring the co-funding of these projects by diaspora members.

“It is of utmost importance that interested local authorities prove their engagement, through the designation of a local focal point within the LPA or local subordinated institutions, responsible for migration. Another determining factor factor to be considered during the evaluation is the intention of local authorities to develop and approve an action plan mainstreaming migration in local development”, says Olesea Cazacu.

The “Migration and Local Development” Project is implemented starting with August 2015, by the United Nations Development Programme in Moldova, with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.