The first on-site alternative childcare facility was inaugurated in the Republic of Moldova with the support of the International Labour Organization and the National Confederation of Employers

Orange Moldova, with the support of the International Labour Organization and the National Confederation of Employers of the Republic of Moldova, has launched Orange Kids. The facility, set up according to regulatory standards, will provide a friendly environment tailored to the needs of children, including rest areas, recreational activities, and a special place for socializing and playing while parents are at work.

"I am pleased that with our move to the new Orange headquarters, we can support even more employees with young children to work from the office when needed. Also, I am proud that we are the first company in Moldova to have the courage to implement this project and hope to set an example of best practices for other local businesses," said Olga SURUGIU, CEO of Orange Moldova.

Parents strive to balance professional and family responsibilities. The reality is that often women have to give up their careers because they do not have a solution for childcare. 

"Over 50% of working-age women in the Republic of Moldova stay at home, taking care of children, although they are highly qualified," pointed out Claire Harasty, Director DWT/CO-Budapest, International Labour Organization.

Studies show that providing childcare benefits in the workplace leads to increased motivation, improved performance, and staff retention, especially among female employees. Employee turnover can be reduced by 50%.

"I have always had this dream to help parents in the Republic of Moldova balance professional and family life. Because investments in this field have been lacking, we currently have over 150,000 women out of work, and I believe that such initiatives will serve as examples for other companies," said Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Alexei Buzu.

"We were thinking about what to associate with the brand of the Republic of Moldova. Digitalization is associated with Estonia. Child-friendly policies are attributed to countries in the Nordic region. We aim and aspire to be like the Nordic countries in this regard for the Eastern European region and thus increase the participation rate of women in the labor market," stated Minister of Education and Research, Dan Perciun.

These statements were confirmed by the Swedish Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Katarina Fried, whose country supports this program in the Republic of Moldova. "These investments mean not only contributions to family income but also to the country's economy. It is important to ensure that our children feel well during the time we are at work."

It was not an easy process. Many entrepreneurs wanted to participate but gave up along the way. Orange was among the few brave ones to launch this initiative, mentioned Leonid Cerescu, President of the National Confederation of Employers' Organizations of the Republic of Moldova.

The Orange Kids space will benefit 600 children of Orange Moldova employees, aged between 2-8 years old, in accordance with prior registration.

Gheorghe and Ana Luchian work at Orange Moldova and say that this space will allow them to be present at the office while being close to their daughter at the same time. "For our daughter Eva, this project means a modern space, adapted to the needs and safety standards for children. Additionally, Orange Kids saves us from additional expenses for a nanny or private kindergarten, as we are not accepted at the state kindergarten at the age of 2."

For Cătălina Burcovschi, an Orange employee, the launch of Orange Kids is also an important aid "because our 2.9 year old daughter needs communication, and this project will help her build relationships with other children, develop communication skills, and fit in more easily at kindergarten. An enormous advantage is also the fact that I will be able to work alongside her peacefully, knowing that she is in the care of responsible individuals."

This service has emerged because in the Republic of Moldova, only 15% of children aged up to 3 years old are enrolled in preschool education institutions. Due to the lack of alternative childcare services for children under the age of 3, 53.6% of the population of the Republic of Moldova, mainly women aged between 25 and 34, are inactive due to family responsibilities.

The Orange Kids pilot project was implemented by Orange Moldova, with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Confederation of Employers of the Republic of Moldova (CNPM), with financial support from Sweden.