Viorica Dragan, census enumerator: in virtue of data collection on tablets, I was much more efficient, and people were more responsive

She is one of over 100 temporary enumerators employed by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) as part of the Pilot Census, conducted from August 28 to October 10, 2023. Although she has worked in the light industry for almost 20 years, Viorica recently retrained in the field of finance, a long-standing passion of hers. In light of her career transition, she claims she has more free time to focus on her family and other activities.

It was precisely because of this free time, her genuine desire to get involved, and the necessity for extra income that Viorica took on the role of an enumerator at the National Bureau of Statistics for the Population and Housing Pilot Census (PHC). „The professional change was welcomed — I became more active on social networks, now having the time to talk about my passion for investments and financial education. Moreover, I am actively participating in social life, particularly through my involvement as an enumerator in the Pilot Census”, shares Viorica.

According to the data provided by NBS, about 22 thousand households in 11 localities in the Republic of Moldova were visited during the Pilot Census. Viorica was responsible for the enumeration of several residential blocks in the Ciocana sector of the capital, describing the experience as unique. „I decided to get involved in the Pilot Census because I enjoy communicating and interacting with people, additionally being rewarded for this activity. It was a riveting experience, and I felt that what I was doing was useful to society”, she adds.

The Pilot Census lasted six weeks. For this exercise, over 100 census enumerators and supervisors were recruited to interview the population in the 11 localities. Prior to the pilot exercise period, the temporary staff hired for this process underwent training from the NBS on data collection techniques and the intricacies of the Census.

Roughly 7 out of 10 people stated that the duration of the enumeration was reasonable

On average, the enumeration process took 20-40 minutes, according to the Pilot PHC. About 7 out of 10 people declared that the enumeration duration was reasonable. „Working daily in the sector (Ciocana), the residents already knew me. They greeted me with smiles and good wishes. Only a few declined to open their doors, while many generously offered water, tea, coffee, or even invited me inside to sit down, understanding that I had been standing for some time”, expresses Viorica.

„I salute the digitisation of the enumeration process”

In the Pilot Census, an innovative enumeration method was introduced for the first time, involving data recording on tablets - a modern alternative to the traditional practice of collecting statistical data on paper. Thus, during the Pilot PHC, enumerators assessed the functionality of the software, gauged the time required for an interview, and evaluated the population's willingness to participate in the Census.

„I really enjoyed surveying the population, especially due to the digitized process. Thanks to tablet enumeration, I was more efficient, and people were very open. I thank everyone I interacted with, each brought a positive experience to my life”, emphasises Viorica.

95% of those surveyed stated that both the questions and the enumeration process were explained clearly and in an accessible manner.

„I look forward to repeating the experience in the 2024 National Census and encourage those interested to join”

For the 2024 Census, the National Bureau of Statistics will hire over four thousand enumerators and supervisors - temporary staff responsible for enumerating the population and households. Viorica expresses her eagerness to repeat the experience and participate as an enumerator in the Population and Housing Census in 2024, driven by her enjoyment of the previous experience. 

„I will definitely get involved in the 2024 Census. I encourage all those interested to become enumerators in 2024 to follow my example. It is a unique experience and you become a part of such an important national process”, concludes Viorica.

The Population and Housing Pilot Census was conducted with the support of the project „Support for the National Bureau of Statistics in conducting the Population and Housing Census of 2024”, funded by the European Union and co-funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The Population and Housing Census occurs every 10 years, being the most crucial national statistical exercise that provides a comprehensive demographic overview of the country. The data collected from the Census will provide essential and quality information for the development of public policies, both at the national and local levels, in the economic and social fields. This information is imperative for the progression of the Republic of Moldova.