Annual Report 2011

East Europe Foundation-Moldova

Annual Report 2011

Engaging Citizens,Empowering Communities

Eurasia Foundation NetworkEurasia Foundation was created in 1992 to empower people of the former Soviet Union to activelyparticipate in the social and economic development of their countries.

U.S. OFFICE Eurasia Foundation

New Eurasia Foundation (FNE)

Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA)

East Europe Foundation-Ukraine


EURASIA FOUNDATION REGIONAL OFFICES

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1350 Connecticut Avenue, NWSuite 1000Washington, DC 20036Tel: 1-202-234-7370Fax: 1-202-234-7377E-mail: [email protected]: http://www.eurasia.org

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98, 31 August 1989 str., 3rd floor2004 Chisinau, Republic of MoldovaTel.: 373-22-23-53-43; 54-81-02Fax: 373-22-54-23-38Email: [email protected]://www.eef.md

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East EuropEFoundation

This publication is made possible by the generous support of the Swedish Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark/DANIDA through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Eurasia Foundation. The contents are the responsibility of East Europe Foundation and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swedish Government, Sida, Denmark MFA/DANIDA, Eurasia Foundation, USAID and/or the United States Government.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of DenmarkDANIDA


Annual Report 2011Engaging Citizens,

Empowering Communities

Inheriting Eurasia Foundation’s rich legacy of promoting democracy, respect for

human rights, and building a viable market economy, East Europe Foundation - Moldova

(EEF-M) continuously dedicates its efforts to strengthen civil society, improving the quality

of governance, and building a better life for Moldovan citizens.

East Europe Foundation-Moldova is a nonprofit, non-political, public interest organization,

established as a foundation, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, the

Law on Foundations and other laws.

The sole founder of the Foundation is a nongovernmental organization – the non-profit

organization Eurasia Foundation, Washington, D.C. (USA).

EEF-M continues building democratic systems in Moldova, empowering Moldovan citizens

and fostering sustainable development through education, technical assistance and

grant programs that promote civil society development, strengthen media, enhance good

governance and build economic prosperity.

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ContentMembers of the Board 3East Europe Foundation-Moldova Donors 4Letter from the Chair & the President 5Mission Statement 6Programs General Info 7Economic Development Program 8Good Governance Program 12Social Action Program 23Financial Statement 26Independent Auditor’s Report 28

Copyright © 2012, East Europe Foundation-Moldova

ISBNDesign concept:Lică Sainciuc

East Europe Foundation-Moldova Annual Report 2011

Sorin Mereacre, [email protected]

Dorina Andreev, Director of [email protected]

Ana Olaru, Director of Finance [email protected]

Andrei Brighidin, Director for Development and [email protected]

Timur Onica, Program [email protected]

Alexandru Coica, Program [email protected]

Carolina Blajin, Program / Communication [email protected]

Zoia Cabacenco, Grants and Contracts Manager [email protected]

Tatiana Chirilenco, Grants and Contracts [email protected]

Oxana Zanoga, Finance and Administration [email protected]

Viorel Frunza, IT [email protected]

Natalia Barbu, Program [email protected]

Stela Cudalb, Program [email protected]

Andriana Pinzaru, Financial [email protected]

Sergiu Dobinda, [email protected]

The Board of Directors:

The Supervisory Board:

Our Staff:

Chair:Silvia RaduPresident, Gas Natural Fenosa MoldovaVice-chair:John MaxemchukGeneral Director, Sun Communications

Members:

Gun-Britt AnderssonAmbassador of Sweden, retired

Ludmila AndronicPublic Relations Manager, LE BRIDGECorporation

Cristina HareaDeputy Director, Horizon Capital Moldova

Adriaan Jacobovits de SzegedAmbassador of the Netherlands, retired

Vasile NedelciucChairman, Endava Moldova

Timothy PylateSenior Vice President for Development at the National Math and Science Initiative

Carmina VicolDirector, Prime Capital

Regina YanChief Operating Officer, Peterson Institute for International Economics

George IngramAcademy of Education DevelopmentWilliam FrenzelGuest Scholar at the BrookingsInstitutionSandra Willett JacksonStrategies & Structures International

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Donors and PartnersAura ShowDesenergoEurasia FoundationEXIMBANK - Gruppo Veneto BancaGas Natural Fenosa Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark/DANIDAMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Slovak RepublicNational Endowment for DemocracyOSCE Mission to MoldovaPhilip Morris InternationalPontis FoundationSwedish GovernmentSwedish International Development CooperationAgency (Sida)U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy,Human Rights, and Labor (DRL)United States Agency for InternationalDevelopment (USAID)

American Chamber of Commerce in MoldovaARC RomaniaBlack Sea TrustBritish Embassy ChisinauCahul State UniversityCouncil of EuropeEmbassy of FinlandEuropean Partnership for DemocracyFHI 360Foundation for Development of Civil SocietyFriedrich Ebert StiftungNational Democratic Institute (NDI)National Federation of FootballNational Institute of JusticeOrange FoundationOrange MoldovaTheoretic Lyceum “Mihai Eminescu” from ComratUN Global Compact Network in MoldovaUNDP MoldovaUNFPA MoldovaUNICEF Moldova

Partners

Memberships in Coalitions, Associations and Networks

Moldovan Government PartnershipsFalesti State Service of Social AssistanceGeneral Department for Education of GagauziaGeneral Department for Youth and Sport of Gagauzia Glodeni State Service of Social AssistanceMinistry of EducationMinistry of Foreign Affairs and European IntegrationMinistry of Labor, Social Protection and FamilyMinistry of Youth and SportsOffice of the Prime MinisterParliamentary Committee for Social Protection, Healthand FamilyState Chancellery, Department for Policies, StrategicPlanning and Foreign Assistance

American Chamber of Commerce in MoldovaAnti-corruption AllianceBusiness in the Community Global PartnershipNetworkCivic Coalition for Free and Fair ElectionsEastern Partnership Civil Society ForumEurasia Foundation NetworkNational Participation Council

*In bold are Corporate, Government and Foundation partners who contributed with $10,000 and above.

Individual DonorsAdriaan Jacobovits de Szeged Regina YanSilvia RaduTimothy Pylate


Letter from the Chair and the President

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

In 2011 East Europe Foundation-Moldova continued to cooperate with its partners representing the state, donor, and NGO sector. These collaborations have produced positive changes in Moldovan society. The local public - private partnerships created by the Foundation, united efforts of the NGOs, private companies, and Local Public Authorities and contributed to community development in five regions of our country. The projects included the use and promotion of alternative energy sources, development of municipal waste management systems, renovation of community kindergartens, and construction of public playgrounds for children. All of these projects have served and will serve as an example for like-minded initiatives in other Moldovan communities as well.

During 2011 EEF-M dedicated more time and resources to support youth projects. The “Youth Participation in Moldova” program has supported youth involvement in the social, economic, and political life of their communities. Within this project, representatives of 36 local NGOs and 36 youth administrators across the country, including Gagauzia and the Transnistrian region, have received training on project development, fundraising, and organizing debates. With this knowledge they will now collaborate with local authorities and community members to implement projects addressing the most relevant issues.

With our support the Youth Banks initiative gathered over 400 young people from 20 communities in 3 districts in Moldova and around 100 Youth Bank-supported projects are mobilizing local resources to meet community needs.

Our Foundation played an important role in mass media development, by helping 10 media outlets become more sustainable and independent through the “Developing a Viable Media in Moldova” project. One of the great successes achieved by EEF-M is the launch of the news portal www.stiripozitive.eu aimed at bringing positive news to the Moldovan public.

EEF-M remained dedicated to the protection of human rights, in particular by supporting the inclusion of young orphans and disadvantaged children in the social and economic life of the country. We are able to proudly report that approximately 200 orphans received vocational trainings which will help them integrate in the labor market, 4 playrooms were installed in hospitals for children with severe illnesses, and 22 children and adolescents have reintegrated with their family, re-establishing relations with their parents, siblings, friends, school, and community.

The Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections, the Anti-Corruption Alliance and the National Participation Council were among the most important NGO alliances receiving continuous support from EEF-M. With the guidance of these civic coalitions the citizens had the possibility to have a constructive dialogue with state authorities.

With all these accomplishments, there are still challenges ahead - new programs should be developed, new skills should be acquired, new approaches should be used.

With our strong team, board, partners and donors we are confident that we will succeed in responding to these challenges and reaching the goals set.

Although we are in the beginning as EEF-M, we also have almost 20 years rich experience working in Moldova as Eurasia Foundation. We managed to keep the hope in good, the aspirations alive and the partners’ trust in our team and efforts. We stand for people of our country, no matter if they are poor or rich, young or old, men or women, either they have special needs or their parents or children left them alone – they are all our friends and relatives, they are our present and future, they preserve our history, lessons learned and successes achieved – they are all our beneficiaries and we are proud to serve them the best we can!

We would like to express our appreciation for the support offered in 2011 by our primary donors: the Swedish Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the United States Agency for International Development, Eurasia Foundation Washington D.C., and the United States Department of State. On behalf of the Foundation and its partners, we express our sincerest gratitude to these and other donors for their contributions to the development of our country.

Silvia RaduPresident of Gas Natural Fenosa Moldova,Chair of EEF-M Board of Directors

Sorin MereacrePresident of East EuropeFoundation-Moldova

WE STAND FOR PEOPLE of our country

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Mission Statement

East Europe Foundation - Moldova (EEF-M) empowers Moldovan citizens and fosters sustainable development through education

and technical assistance programs that promote democracy, advance good governance, and build economic prosperity.EEF-M is guided by the following principles in its programming and institutional development:

Being responsive to the needs and challenges of Moldova’s developing society and economy.

Fostering change in communities through best practices of sustainable development and always striving to act in the best interests of Moldovan citizens.

Believing that community members and stakeholders are to be respected as partners and colleagues in our mission.

Supporting and facilitating cooperation between civil society, governments and the private sector within communities in order to promote sustainability and ensure program ownership.

Gauging the success of a program by the marked impact it has on society and the significant change it brings about in the lives of citizens.

Respecting and embracing diversity amongst our staff, our partners and the communities we work in, without discrimination of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or political affiliation.

Practicing good stewardship with the funds and projects entrusted to us.

As a local foundation in Moldova, EEF-M works toward establishing and implementing a gender mainstreaming strategy into its grant making and operating program activities.


Our ProgramsEEF-M’s programs are guided by country-specific programming priorities that are based on the country’s needs, grounded in EEF-M’s core capabilities and past experiences, and reflective of EEF-M’s support for the vision and mission of the Eurasia Foundation Network, as well as the passions and ideals of the EEF-M staff.

Our current programs focus on three key areas:

Economic Development

Good Governance

Social Action

“I have to mention that East Europe Foundation-Moldova has

been among key promoters of what Swedish Government stands for and that

is strengthened democracy, equitable and sustainable development and closer alignment with the European Union and

its values. By EEF-M’s efforts, Moldovan citizens are able to better defend and

fight for their rights and get more understanding of modern democracy

and its challenges. I hope the initiatives carried out by the Foundation will

continuously lead to a more independent and vibrant civil society and will empower

media with necessary knowledge and tools to meaningfully play its role in the

Moldovan society. I am very pleased that the Swedish Government is partnering with East Europe Foundation-Moldova

in solving these important issues for the country’s better future and for the benefit

of its people.”

H.E. Ingrid TErsman, Ambassador of Sweden

to the Republic of Moldova

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Economic Development Program The goal of the Economic Development

Program is to enhance economic development in Moldovan communities

by engaging local authorities, civil society, and the private sector in initiatives that increase economic opportunities, foster sustainable development for small and medium enterprises and individual entrepreneurs, and support business and economics education initiatives.

EEF-M works with local governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to foster entrepreneurship, generate new jobs, increase energy efficiency, and attract investment through public-private partnership.

After renovating the waste management system in Causeni town by installing 150 containers for mixed garbage and 20 containers for plastic waste, 50% of unauthorized landfills were reduced and incidence of gastro-intestinal infections decreased by 40%.

419 pupils and 66 teachers in Oliscani school have access to hot water due to solar thermal collectors installed in partnership with local administration and businesses.

476 young people gained experience in mobilizing social and financial capital on the local level to solve specific needs of their communities.


Local Economic Partnerships (LEP)

The Goal of the Local Economic Partnerships (LEP) Project is to improve the quality of life in local communities by stimulating public-private partnerships aimed at effective implementation of local economic and social development programs. Key priorities of the LEP project include: well-managed public services, poverty alleviation, and finding adequate solutions for effectively using local resources, with an emphasis on energy efficiency.

In order to fulfill the objectives of this program, EEF-M organized a grants competition and awarded six grants. As a result of these projects, citizens from targeted communities benefit from improved living conditions. Six partnerships were created between NGOs, local governments, and businesses, and joint local community development projects were implemented under the LEP Project.

For example, 419 students and 66 teachers from the Theoretic Lyceum from Oliscani, Soldanesti now have hot water after the school heating system was renovated and alternative energy sources (solar panels) were installed, this way ensuring the basic sanitary conditions in the school.

In Baraboi, Donduseni rayon the incidence of respiratory diseases in children from local kindergarten decreased due to implementation of “Aktivtherm” technology that provides proper insulation of the building. In Bobeica village and Ungheni town, about 1000 children and adults are benefitting from the newly equipped playground and sports field.

Within the same project, 50% of unauthorized landfills are reduced, thus the incidence of gastro-intestinal infections decreased by 40% in Causeni. This was possible by installing 150 containers for mixed garbage and 20 containers for plastic waste allowing the citizens of this town to have better environmental and health condition.

In addition, the whole community in Zahoreni village, Orhei district, worked side by side to renovate the school by installing 25 energy efficient doors and 113 windows. Adults and children showed that their involvement, their enthusiasm and hard work is the most important factor in the development of their community.

NGOs, Local Governments, Businesses and Citizens from Six Moldovan Communities United Forces to Make Their Lives Better

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The Youth Bank project is based on existing methodology, including an innovative grant-making initiative run by young people for young people. EEF-M partnered with the Association for Community Relations - ARC Romania and YouthBank Romania, both experienced peer organizations, to replicate the successful model in Moldova.

The project aims to increase youth participation in community social development by developing the capacities and expertise of local youth and community organizations while targeting adolescents in regions where opportunities for employment and engagement in public policymaking are low. This initiative is being implemented in Cahul, Ialoveni and Ungheni districts (rayons).

Youth BanksYoung People from 20 Communities Became Real Agents of Change


The Youth Bank project is being implemented by EEF-M in partnership with local organizations that were selected to support the creation and consolidation of local “Youth Banks” and contribute further to the implementation of Youth Bank activities. Before sending youth to their communities to solve a variety of issues, EEF-M conducted a rigorous training course for 50 young people participating in the project. They have learned how to better assess the most important issues facing youth, plan activities and use resources to solve these issues, fundraise for such projects, communicate, negotiate, and make the youth banks sustainable. Before the Youth Banks started raising funds, local surveys were conducted to identify the needs of the youth in each community involved.

Among the most pressing needs listed were lack of adequate facilities for local youth to spend their free time; limited access for children with disabilities to education; lack of extracurricular activities and library resources; environmental problems. To solve these needs, each group collected funds through various fundraising campaigns, including door-to-door activities, written inquiries to local businesses, events such as dance festivals and theatre performances.

More than 220 young people from 20 communities in 3 districts in Moldova have implemented approximately 100 Youth Bank-supported projects. For example in Ialoveni district, local youth did not have a place to spend time, so the local youth bank mobilized community resources and volunteers to completely renovate a park in Rusestii Noi village, plant more than 200 trees and a rose garden, and install new benches and lights. The Youth Bank in Ungheni established a sports playground that now is a favorite place for local youngsters.

This pilot initiative has already tremendous results and has shown great potential. The project proves that such small initiatives have the ability to educate and build the capacity of youth NGOs and young people, and highlight how such a unique approach can mobilize all local resources to meet community needs. Most importantly, youngsters become the drivers of positive changes throughout the country.

The goal of the Good Governance Program is to enhance civic engagement by monitoring reforms and facilitating

cooperation between the government, civil society organizations, media, and the public in the areas of European integration, free and fair elections, and anti-corruption.

Within this program EEF-M supported civic education initiatives, election observation efforts, media development and monitoring, EU integration activities, anti-corruption measures, and policy development and implementation.

More than 2,000 young people from Moldova participated in 36 public debates and identified priority problems as well as ways to solve them.

The Press Council organized the first public debate on the observance of presumption of innocence principle in mass-media.

The innovative news platform www.stiripozitive.eu brings to the public a positive perspective of Moldovan events, featuring people, places and realities.

Good Governance Program

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“When new ideas meet the adequate support for transforming them into

results, then happens, as we say it in communication – something magic. That

is what happened when together with East Europe Foundation we created the

news portal www.stiripozitive.eu. And magic is that the subjects from the site

inspire more people to more good acts.”

Igor Guzun, Director, Communication Agency „URMA ta”

“I have to say that the members of this mandate of the Press Council deserve

the highest appreciation. I wish the new members of the Press Council good achievements and maximum attention

to what and how the press writes.”

Ion manolE, Chairman, NGO “PromoLex”

EEF-M has supported the Secretariat of National Participation Council (NPC) since its establishment. The NPC, established in 2010 by the Government of the Republic of Moldova is comprised of 30 civil society organizations, including EEF-M. In 2011 the NPC was chaired by EEF-M President Sorin Mereacre, who was re-elected by NPC members in February 2011. With an enhanced structure, capacities, organizational, and communication tools, the NPC has become not just a watchdog over the activity of the Moldovan Government, but also an effective and responsible contributor to developing Government policies.

NPC efforts are focused on a range of public policies considered by its members as priorities. These documents include the new National Development Strategy 2012-2020, National Action Plan in the field of human rights 2011-2014, Justice Sector Reform 2011-2016, the Strategy for the Development of Civil Society and the EU-Moldova Association Agreement and Action Plan. NPC Chair regularly attends Government meetings and presents the NPC position towards various draft decisions as necessary. The NPC members regularly provide

input and recommendations to legislative initiatives of the governmental agencies. NPC members have contributed with comments and proposals to the 2011-2014 Government Program on nearly all policy areas. The majority of proposals were included in the document.

In partnership with the State Chancellery and UN Women, NPC organized public consultations at the local level to discuss the draft of National Strategy of Decentralization. With support of its working groups, NPC is constantly monitoring implementation of the Law on Transparency in the decision making process (Law No 239-XVI from 2008) and Regulation regarding procedures of assuring transparency in the decision making process.

NPC website: www.cnp.md.

Support to the National Participation CouncilCivil Society Voice Heard by the Decision Makers


“I express my gratitude to the National Participation Council members that served during 2010-2011 and wish

success to the next mandate members. I assure you from my behalf you will

have all necessary support. I am confident in Moldova’s future.”

Vlad FIlaT, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova

Developing a Viable Media in Moldova Regulatory Mechanism Created to Protect Media Consumers’ Rights

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In partnership with the Association of Independent Press (API), the Foundation has continued to strengthen the quality of journalism in the Republic of Moldova by providing institutional support for the Press Council (PC) and by promoting best practices in the area of media self regulation. This project is meant to provide institutional and programmatic support to this press entity, which comprises nine members.In 2011, the PC reviewed four complaints from media product consumers.

EXamPlEDecision of the Press Council “On the infringement of provisions of Journalist’s Deontology Code from the Republic of Moldova while covering in the media alleged rape at Râşnov resort center in Romania”.Having taken information of the media coverage with regard to the alleged rape committed at Râşnov resort center on January 4, 2012;Having examined, during the public sitting from January 10, 2012, several journalistic materials published and broadcast on this topic, including by several TV channels and portals/websites

Having taken into consideration the opinion expressed by the legal expert invited by the Press Council on the case, grounding on the provisions of the Journalist’s Deontology Code from the Republic of Moldova, Press Council from Republic of Moldova adopted a resolution that had a series of recommendations as follows: while covering the alleged rape at Râşnov resort center from Romania numerous mass-media institutions from the Republic of Moldova violated provisions of the Journalist’s Deontology Code, including Articles 4.1 and 4.2: “The journalist is obliged to observe the person’s right to private life and dignity. Interference in private life is allowed only when the public interest in disclosing facts prevails over the protection of person’s identity.”; Article 4.9: “The journalist shall observe the presumption of innocence and deem any person not-guilty until the pronouncing of his/her final and irrevocable sentence.”; Article 4.11: “The journalist shall not unveil the identity of victims of accidents, natural disasters, or crimes, especially sexual aggression. “

“I have been the member of the Press Council for almost 2 years, and I have to mention that the work atmosphere was

constructive and efficient with regard to the set goals. I wish the new members of the PC reach new results and make the press

respect the ethical and deontological norms.”

Dmitrii CalaC, Deputy editor-in-chief at LOGOS-PRESS

weekly economic newspaper

The Press Council calls upon all media institutions that have mirrored the alleged rape at Râşnov resort center from Romania to edit the publishing content of materials posted on websites and exclude the information/data/images that reveal or are able to reveal the victim’s identity; and to ensure the observance of presumption of innocence in relation to the person suspected of rape.

The Press Council requests media institutions from Republic of Moldova to exclude ungrounded interference in the private life of persons happening to be in vulnerable situations. The disclosure of the identity of a sexual aggression victim is inadmissible and contrary to deontology norms and professional journalism good practices. The ethical principle of the presumption of innocence must be observed by journalists in all cases, including in situations when law-enforcement and prosecutor’s bodies fail to do so.

Media Circulation Data Became Open to Advertisers

With the support offered by EEF-M, the Audit Bureau of Circulations and Internet (BATI) successfully completed their second audit of circulations from Moldova for 10 member publications.

The audit covered two semesters of 2011 and included the following media outlets:• Adevarul (Chisinau)• Timpul (Chisinau)• Komsomoliskaya Pravda (Chisinau)• Antenna (Chisinau)• Jurnal de Chisinau (Chisinau)• Makler (Chisinau)• Gazeta “SP” (Balti)• Observatorul de Nord (Soroca)• Cuvântul (Rezina)• Unghiul (Ungheni)

The main information provided by the audit was broadcasting term values (Figures Broadcast) which included: print circulation,

sales, free distributed copies (free subscriptions, promotional, and on request copies), and returns.

As a result, BATI has called on agencies and advertisers to restructure their media budgets with publications that operate in a more transparent manner. BATI urged members of the media market - newspapers, advertising agencies, and advertisers - to join their Association and adhere to the rules of the distribution of advertising budgets. By the end of 2011 BATI membership increased to 30 active members, up from 18 in 2010.

The target audience of the information presented in the audit includes the media and advertising industry, with the goal of contributing to the transparency of media indicators, as well as fair competition on the media market in Moldova.

BATI website: www.bati.md.


Other resolutions of PC can be accessed at www.consiliuldepresa.md.

Developing a Viable Media in Moldova

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Media Outlets Adding Value to Their Products

With EEF-M’s project “Developing a Viable Media in Moldova”, the media market will become more sustainable and independent. In this context, in June 2011 ten media outlets were selected to receive grants.

Four newspapers and magazines worked to improve their current format and content and create innovative products. Odoras magazine added new content and expanded their distribution to remote areas; Newspaper SP developed an online version and modified its print version; and newspapers Cuvantul (“The Word”) and Expresul de Ungheni (“Ungheni Express”) expanded to neighboring districts in order to increase circulation and improve the quality of news received by the public.

In addition, several regional radio stations also benefited from the project to produce a daily news bulletin focused on regional news, while a talk-show called “Feedback” addressed various important issues at the regional level. This contributed to enhancing their profitability by increasing the number of listeners and improved the quality of its programs, making them more attractive for the local business community when those are deciding where to place the commercials. Urma Ta Communication Agency is on-line with a new media portal based on the self-styled “happy news”- www.stiripozitive.eu – aimed at bringing positive stories to the Moldovan public.

The Sor-TV station in Soroca developed its capacities for live streaming over the internet and created a new TV show. The local TV station Media TV Cimislia boosted the ratings of its Pro-Media local TV and radio stations in Cimislia by increasing the number of locally produced interactive TV and radio shows.

In addition, the national TV and radio broadcaster Teleradio Moldova (TRM) strengthened its institutional capacity and improved the professional competencies of its employees with EEF-M’s support and technical assistance provided by the Independent Journalism Center to equip and carry out trainings. Structural and institutional reforms at TRM were initiated as part of the implementation of the government’s Activity Program for 2011-2014 entitled “European Integration: Freedom, Democracy and Welfare”.

“We highly recommend for everyone to enter the beautiful new website

www.stiripozitive.eu where the authors have decided to highlight the good and

beautiful sides of the reality. People, things, places and positive events are in

the spotlight of the portal created by the communication agency “URMA ta” with

support from international organizations.”

lucia BErDos and rodica TroFImoV, “VIP Magazin” monthly magazine

in the “Top 4 fashionable”

Civic Monitoring of Anti-Corruption Policy

The goal of the Civic Monitoring of Anti-Corruption Policy project is to improve the implementation of the government’s anti-corruption strategy.

Through a combination of grants and technical assistance, EEF-M conducts a series of activities to assist civil society in the fight against corruption. Specifically, EEF-M supported increasing the professional capacity of the Anti-Corruption Alliance (ACA) and its member NGOs in monitoring and reporting corruption. ACA has continued to support the Center for Combating Economic Crimes and Corruption in implementing anti-corruption policies in Moldova.

The Anti-Corruption Alliance continued to be the key civil society actor in Moldova on monitoring the implementation of the anti-corruption policies, providing expert and independent recommendations to the Government and specialized institutions on preventing and curbing corruption.

In 2011 EEF-M supported 6 projects in the area of preventing and fighting corruption:

Transparency International – Moldova Office implemented a project aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in managing public assets by the Moldovan central public authorities. As a case study, the grantee has evaluated the compliance of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) with the recommendations and conclusions of the Court of Accounts of Moldova regarding a series of controversial transactions operated by the Ministry and by its decentralized substructures between 2002 and 2010 with regards to managing public assets. Additionally, the grantee has conducted a survey

to evaluate the quality of audits and inspections performed by the Court of Accounts (CoA) in 15 public institutions. A series of recommendations aimed to enhance the activity of CoA have been developed and were included in the report.

Institute for Development and Social Initiatives (IDIS Viitorul) has implemented a project aiming to prevent corruption within the Moldovan Customs Service through civil society oversight.

An inclusive Civic Council has been established in order to encourage transparency in the Moldovan Customs Service. The Civic Council consists of representatives of civil society, the business community and customs officials

A free-of-charge 24-hour telephone line has been set up by the project to encourage citizens to report alleged cases of corruption committed by customs officers. Fifteen cases have been reported and analyzed during the meetings of the Civic Council, together with recommendations on the needed procedural or practical changes.

“Ziarul de garda” Newspaper has implemented a project to combat corruption in Moldova by facilitating the media to develop professional journalistic investigations, as an important precondition for developing an intolerant attitude of citizens towards corruption.

The grantee established an anti-corruption telephone line enabling citizens to report cases of corruption, which subsequently serve as subjects of professional and complex investigative stories. A total of 121 calls/messages received allowed writing 36 articles by experienced investigative journalists and 9 articles by specially trained young journalists.

Mechanisms Created to Ensure Transparency and Fight Corruption


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Resource Center for Human Rights NGOs (CReDO) has implemented a project aiming to prevent corruption within the healthcare sector through monitoring and advocacy activities.

The grantee conducted a survey to measure the progress achieved by the health sector in curbing corruption by conducting exit-polls in six health institutions throughout Moldova. The grantee advocated a number of recommendations stemming from the survey.

Association for Participatory Democracy (ADEPT) has implemented a project aimed at monitoring the compliance of the Moldovan Central Public Authorities to the requirements of the Law on Transparency in Decision-Making, that obliges public authorities to publish drafts of their decisions on their websites 15 days prior approval.

The grantee has monitored on a daily basis the websites of all 24 central public authorities and confronted the dynamics on the websites with the records in the Official Gazette, where all decisions are published. A database was developed to record the cases of compliance and non-observance of the decision-making transparency law.

The monitoring reports on transparency in decision-making were presented during a roundtable meeting involving NGOs, media and the officials responsible for transparency in the 24 concerned institutions. According to the final report, in the mentioned institutions there was registered an important progress in 2011 compared to 2010, in implementing the provisions of the Law on Transparency of Decision-Making.

Center for Defense of the Rights of Patients’ and People with Disabilities (CADPI) implemented a project designed to increase citizens’ access to healthcare through free legal aid and advocacy. The grantee raised awareness about the rights of the patients, provided free legal assistance to patients who were victims of corruption, and identified the legal acts that encourage corruption within the healthcare sector.

152 patients (47 men and 105 women) consultations were carried out (total of 378 since beginning of the project). Representation in court was provided in 50 cases, of which 16 cases of infringement of patient’s rights to information; 9 cases related to harmful or low quality treatment, resulting in injury; 15 cases on the consequences of the legal acts which contradict superior legislation and patients’ rights; 10 cases on infringement of patients’ rights in cases when medical personnel are not to blame.

The greatest advocacy achievement of the project is the abrogation by the Ministry of Healthcare of 32 normative acts infringing the rights of patients and people with special needs – most of which via extrajudicial settlement, but only after CADPI initiated legal actions.

Civic Monitoring of Anti-Corruption Policy Project

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The goal of the Free and Fair Elections project is to promote free, fair, and democratic elections at the national, regional, and local levels in Moldova in order to contribute to an improved quality of the electoral process. EEF-M has announced a grants competition to select project proposals focused on civic and voter education activities as well as monitoring of elections and media during the 2011 general local elections. Out of more than 50 proposals received in the open grants competition, 8 projects have been selected to be funded.

The activities carried out with the support provided by EEF-M represent an important part of the combined civil society and international institutions efforts to ensure the continuity of democratic reforms and practices in the electoral field in Moldova. The projects that EEF-M has financed or co-financed have targeted actions in several priority areas as follows:

• Civic education and voter mobilization (Contact Center, Center Parpnership for Development, Association of Independent Press, Legal Clinic Comrat).

• Quality of the electoral process (Promo-LEX — elections observation, Independent Journalism Center — media monitoring, Institute for Human Rights in Moldova (IDOM) — monitoring of the voting in psychiatric institutions, NGO Ex-Lege — monitoring and analysis of the electoral disputes management, National Institute of Justice – training of judges).

• Coalescing civil society efforts around election administration - Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections.

Neutral, unbiased information was brought to more than 200,000 citizens through a diverse set of information channels: peer-to-peer, print media, TV, radio, and internet. Besides raising awareness about the upcoming elections these activities help dissipate the existing mistrust towards the political class by bringing candidates closer to public scrutiny. The activities implemented by the respective grantees range from pre-electoral live debates carried out in 5 regions and broadcast on regional TV channels, door-to-door campaigns, educational and informational TV shows, thematic newspaper inserts, etc.

As a result, the participation rate at the national level, during the June 5, 2011 general local elections was 53.74%. This represents a 1.4% increase in the participation rate, compared to the previous general local elections that took place in 2007, when the participation rate was 52.34%. The 2011 local elections higher turnout compared with the 2007 local elections can be explained in part by the more important role played by local and national media, in part through the continuity of the civic education and voter mobilization efforts, as well as through the improvement of the electoral and media legislation.

Free and Fair ElectionsQuality of Electoral Process Improved through Active Participation of Civil Society


Moldovan Citizens are Closer to Europe

European Interactive Centers

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“The Executive Committee of Gagauzia highly appreciates the

efforts of the European Interactive Center “Pro Europa” Comrat in

promoting the European values on the territory of the Autonomy.

Above all this, the Center was pro-eminent in setting a strong

dialogue with the General Direction for Education of Gagauzia, the

evidence of this dialog being the multiple common events, contests

for education institutions and manuals on European Integration

for students from Gagauzia.”

mihail Formuzal, Governor (Bashkan) of Gagauzia

Four European Interactive Centers in Balti (North), Cahul (South), Comrat (Gagauz autonomy) and Chisinau continue to receive support from EEF-M. The European Interactive Centers provide a solid platform for disseminating information about the history of the EU, European institutions, legislation, principles, standards and traditions, as well as Moldovan government efforts in implementing reforms provided by EU – Moldova Action Plan.

All European Interactive Centers continued their planned activities and conducted information campaigns at the regional level. The Pro-Europa Center in Comrat gained positive results regarding the information of the population of the Autonomous Territorial Unit Gagauz Yeri about the European Union. A strong element in the activities of the Center is the team of local volunteers that help with the organization of the public information activities. 27 interactive training sessions in different communities of Gagauzia with more than 500 people (174 men and 349 women) participating were carried out. Topics covered included “Europe for Citizens”, “The Evolution and History of the European Union”, and “Structure of the European Union”. The center in Chisinau developed a comprehensive portal containing information and documents pertinent to the integration process of Moldova in the European Union – www.infoeuropa.md.

With the involvement of youth in the identification and solving of local problems, the whole society is provided an opportunity to build on their vision, strength, and enthusiasm for the benefit of the community. Within this project representatives of 36 local NGOs across the country have received training in project development, fundraising, and debate organization and with this in mind collaborated with local authorities and community members to implement projects addressing the most pressing needs, identified in public consultations/debates/meetings at the local level. These activities involved youth from all districts of Moldova, including Gagauzia and the Transnistrian region. In order to analyse the situation of young people in the country, EEF-M conducted a sociological study between December 2010 – January 2011 for assessing the perceptions, and attitudes of young people in Moldova.

Discrimination is considered a serious problem for Moldovan youth: 87% of young people felt discriminated on grounds of age, particularly in employment. However, the respondents consider disabled people, people living with HIV / AIDS, and those with criminal records as being the most discriminated.

Youth involvement in economic life is reduced, due to limited access to financial resources and an unstable business environment. Most respondents (about 76%) believe they have no chance at a better paid job, or a secure future in the country. Several solutions identified by youth include, improving the education system, creating new jobs, supporting young families, developing support services for young entrepreneurs, and diversifying services for young people in Moldova.

Following this study, 36 public debates with the purpose of identifying priority areas were organized at the community and district level, involving local public authorities and more than 2,000 young people.

A grants competition has also been organized. 14 NGOs, which proposed innovative ideas and real mechanisms for youth involvement in solving local problems were selected and awarded grants. Several examples of these projects included development of youth entrepreneurship skills, creation of community and volunteer centers, and establishment of public-private partnerships through which local public administration, community members, and local entrepreneurs will work together to solve community issues.

For example, at “Mihai Eminescu” High School in Comrat in a project implemented by “Inimi Marinomoase” NGO in collaboration with school administration, students set up a school radio station covering topics of interest to young people and the community.

“Adolescentul” Association (Chiscareni village, Singerei district) created a business school, in which local youth are trained and supported in developing their ideas and starting their own businesses.

Being aware of passivity in rural youth, the youth organization “Certitudine” from Balti implemented a project providing training and empowerment of young people from 3 villages (Marandeni, Falesti; Biruinta, Singerei; Elizaveta, Balti). At the end of a 2-month training course, participants were supported in implementing initiatives that addressed the most pressing issues in their communities.

As a platform for open debate and sharing ideas, the youth web portal was developed, which can be found online at www.tineri.md.

Young People Made Their Voices Heard


Youth Participation Project

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The East Europe Foundation – Moldova, in partnership with the European Partnership for Democracy (Brussels) and Promo-LEX Association (Moldova), organized the European Partnership Fair for Civil Society Organizations in Moldova that took place on June 15-16, 2010, in Chisinau. The Fair helped strengthen Moldovan Civil Society (including from Transnistria) by sharing experiences, establishing partnership relationships with NGOs from the European Union and CIS countries, as well as trying to provide funding for joint initiatives launched by the Fair participants.

As a result, seven projects were selected to be funded under the Basket Fund Initiative, launched in June 2010 within the framework of the European Partnership Fair for Civil Society Organizations in Moldova.

The Basket Fund received a financial contribution from EEF-M, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic. The size of each grant was between USD 8,000 and USD 10,000. The following Basket Fund projects were supported by EEF-M and implemented during 2010-2011:

Prietenii Copiilor [Children’s Friends] NGO has implemented a project “Children Have the Right to Play: the Play-Bus” promoting the fundamental right to play and the right to free time for disadvantaged children from hospitals and residential institutions in Moldova. The project used a Play-Bus methodology for providing access to socio-educational entertainment activities for children in difficulty, thus enhancing their social integration and personal development prospects. The Play-Bus visited 11 boarding schools in different areas of Moldova. Additionally, 4 animation activities were organized in two children’s hospitals.

Criuleni Debate Club implemented the project “European Partnership for Promoting Youth Initiatives” enhancing the civic culture by involving young people in Local Youth Councils (LYCs) from the Criuleni district of Moldova. The project has been carried out in partnership with “A Smile” Association from Bacau, Romania, who shared its vast experience in the field of youth participation. The project involved approximately 730 young people in election campaigns for 75 seats in 15 Local Youth Councils in Criuleni villages and towns.

“Youth for the Right to Live!” project involved the transfer of best practices in the field of volunteering between Moldovan and Romanian NGOs. The project has created and consolidated regional partnerships aimed to develop the capacities of Moldovan NGOs in managing and promoting volunteering activities within the framework of the European Year of Volunteering 2011 (EYV). Through 6, one week-long internship programs the project developed the managerial and youth policy development capacities of 6 volunteers’ coordinators in Moldova, who received on-the-job training in Romanian NGOs.

European Partnership Fair for MoldovaNew Projects Implemented with EU Partners

East Europe Foundation-Moldova Annual Report 2011 22


The Social Action Program’s goal is to promote the social engagement of private companies and donors to address

Moldova’s development needs by building partnerships between NGOs, the private sector, and local governments, and to increase opportunities for orphans’ social integration and employment.

180 orphans from six schools are attending two-year vocational courses on woodworking, tailoring, cooking, or agriculture, with fully equipped classes and will be further assisted in finding a job.

Social Action Program 22 children and young people have reintegrated with their family, re-establishing relations with their parents, siblings, friends, school, and community.

430 Veterans of World War II and the Chernobyl catastrophe benefitted from assistance through the charity project implemented by EEF-M on the observance of the International Day of Older Persons.


24East Europe Foundation-Moldova Annual Report 2011

For the past several years, local and foreign com-panies in Moldova have continued to focus on charitable efforts instead of having clear, long-term social investment strategies.

CSR is part of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. According to the European Commission, CSR is more relevant than ever within the context of the economic crisis. It can help to build (and rebuild) trust in businesses, which is vital for the health of Eu-rope’s social market economy.

By implementing its CSR component, EEF-M contributed to the European Commission’s recommendation to “promote Corporate Social Responsibility as a key element in ensuring long term employee and consumer trust”.

Due to the awareness campaign promoted by EEF-M five companies made their CSR Strategies public during the International CSR Conference organized by UNDP, Global Compact Moldova, the American Chamber of Commerce and EEF-M in 2011.

More than 430 Veterans of World War II and the Chernobyl catastrophe benefitted from assis-tance through the charity project implemented by the EEF-M on the observance of International Day of Older Persons. This initiative was imple-mented in partnership with the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family, and with the finan-cial support of Philip Morris International.

Within this charity initiative, two events in Cahul and Ungheni were organized as an expression of gratitude. The 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl tragedy was also commemorated with words of recognition to those affected.

Approximately 285 Veterans participated at these two events. Along with the charity events and small concerts offered by local art groups, all Veterans from the Cahul and Ungheni districts received food packages during the events or delivered to their homes.

Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Support to Veterans

EEF-M and its Partners Continue to Advocate for Better CSR Practices

For the Second Year in a Row We are Together with the Veterans

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In August 2011 the NGO “Sens Muzical” supported by EEF-M, the Government of Moldova and other state and private partners organized the Agro-touristic folk festival “GUSTAR” in the Orheiul Vechi touristic area. The festival contributed to fostering the development of cross-cultural communication among rural tourism entrepreneurs, craftspeople, artists, and local and international tourists. This helped to establish commercial and partnership relations with potential investors and to promote crafts as an entrepreneurship activity for institutionalized children.

EEF-M offered the opportunity to a group of 16 orphan students to exhibit and sell their products. As a result of this project, these children had the possibility to overcome isolation and experience socialization assisting them with their further integration into society.

For more details visit: www.gustar.md.

The goal of this project is to increase opportunities for social integration and employment for orphans in Moldova.

Four NGOs were awarded grants within the “Sustain-able Solutions for the Needs of Vulnerable Youth”.

180 orphans from six schools are attending two-year vocational courses on woodworking, tailoring, cook-ing, or agriculture, with fully equipped classes within

the project implemented by the NGO Verbina and supported by EEF-M.

Negotiations with local businesses have started in order to facilitate the hiring of orphans.

Social Orphans in the Ungheni district are being as-

sisted by EEF-M’s NGO partner,

Alternative Sociale.

Ten orphans have been selected to take part in pro-fessional courses and are now receiving training as part of the project with another 25 orphans having already taken part in professional courses and learn-ing how to write a CV and find a job.

Cahul Boarding School was transformed into the Center of Social Services for Children and Young People. EEF-M’s NGO partner, Partnerships for Every Child contributed to the refurbishment of the vocational workshops (woodworking, tailoring, cooking, computer literacy) for young people and children residents of the center. 22 children and young people have reintegrated with their family, re-establishing relations with their parents, siblings, friends, school, and community.

Effective strategies and services helped to improve the quality of life of 14 young people and assist them to make successful transitions into adulthood and independence. Six graduates were successfully integrated into society. Another 8 youth will graduate next year and have been enabled to finish their stud-ies and acquire professional skills.

Support to Vulnerable Youth

Special Initiative

A Chance for a Better Life for Young Orphans

Opportunities for the Development of Rural and Cultural Tourism


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Financial StatementEAST EUROPE FOUNDATION - MOLDOVASUMMARY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONFOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011(all amounts stated are in USD)


EAST EUROPE FOUNDATION - MOLDOVASUMMARY STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETSFOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011(all amounts stated are in USD)

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Independent Auditor’s Report

Annual Report 2011

Documents

engaging citizens

empowering moldovan

economic development

united states government

views of swedish government

united states agency

nongovernmental organization

sustainable development