Moldova’s youth: flexible policies for a changing nation
Moldova is observing International Youth Day on Tuesday, a day established by the United Nations and recognized in most countries around the world.
According to Marcel Marin, Head of the Youth and Sports Policies Directorate within the Ministry of Education and Research (MEC), this day is an opportunity to highlight the achievements of young people and promote their active involvement in the community.
In an interview for the TV show "Bună Dimineața" on Moldova 1, the official stated that the Ministry of Education and Research, through his directorate, focuses on supporting civic participation, volunteerism, and non-formal education. The goal is to provide young people with opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities outside of school or university settings.
Regarding current challenges, Marin highlighted the differences between the needs of young people in urban and rural areas. According to the MEC representative, young people in cities have different salary expectations and opportunities, while in rural areas, a primary concern is the lack of well-paying jobs. For this reason, Marin says, youth policies must be flexible and adapted to the local context.
"And here is our policy, which I like and believe in. It is one of flexibility. We don't come with a standard range of opportunities for all young people. We provide financial instruments that are quite flexible, to be able to cover the different needs of young people from various regions of Moldova," added the Head of the Youth and Sports Policies Directorate.
Marin also highlighted the support given to young entrepreneurs through grants, mentorship, and training. He mentioned the constant growth of the budget for the Organization for the Development of Entrepreneurship, as well as the involvement of other state institutions in this field. At the same time, he acknowledged that within the MEC, programs for the diaspora youth are few, but there are collaborations with the Bureau for Diaspora Relations, including through the "Taberele DOR" project, which creates connections between young people who have gone abroad and those who have remained in the country.
He also referred to the national program "Capitala Tineretului" (Youth Capital), which is being held in Edineț this year. According to the official, the event brings together young people from all regions of the country. The goal is not only to celebrate International Youth Day but also to promote internal mobility and get to know the diversity of communities in Moldova.
"Edineț is a wonderful city, it's a truly great city. I encourage everyone who has the chance to go to Edineț today and get to know some extraordinary young people, some extraordinary activities, and a community that is truly amazing," urged Marcel Marin.
Congratulations to "all those who, through what they do, give energy, value, and direction to this country" came from the Minister of Education and Research, Dan Perciun.
"Today, on International Youth Day, we are not just marking a date on the calendar. We are marking the generation that is changing Moldova every day," the official noted.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
