Bădiceni Social Center upgrades comfort for 50 beneficiaries
The elderly residents at the Social Center in Bădiceni, Soroca, will enjoy improved living conditions following renovations to the building. These upgrades were made in accordance with energy efficiency standards, resulting in greater comfort for the 50 beneficiaries and reduced heating and maintenance costs for the facility. This renovation is part of a larger project funded by the European Union.
Ludmila Postolachi is 67 years old and has been living in the "Acasa" Center in Bădiceni for almost three years.
"Before, it was really difficult for me. For two years, it was cold, and we would wrap ourselves in two blankets; the windows would freeze. It was truly hard, but now life is much easier for us. I feel really good. I have no one in the village; I grew up without a mother or a father. It was difficult then too, but I'm moving forward," said Ludmila Postolachi, a resident of the center.
"I have no one, and here I’ve made friends with the staff and other residents. We get to know each other a little bit. They have made a beautiful and quality repair to the bridge, and I watched how nicely the workers did their job," shared Victor Barițchi, another resident.
"We have conditions like at home. We really like it here. Everyone says it’s really nice. It’s not like it was; it’s better now, and it looks much nicer," added Evgheni Holdov, a beneficiary.
The first thermal insulation work has already resulted in savings. The shelter emerged from winter with reserves of seven tons of coal and ten square meters of wood.
"We aimed to improve living conditions through energy efficiency, and we have already experienced the benefits firsthand. This winter was much harsher than previous winters, but we found it significantly warmer, primarily because we insulated the floor. Previously, a lot of heat was lost through the floor and the attic", said Angela Brighidin, the director of the Bădiceni Social Center.
The renovation cost €87,000 and is funded by the European Union. It is being carried out by the Association "Casa Speranțelor" in collaboration with the Foundation "Soros Moldova."
Valentina Onica, the director of the Association "Casa Speranțelor," stated, "The previous conditions were moldy and cold, making them inadequate for living. Finally, we have managed to improve the situation. We purchased equipment and furniture with funds from the project, and we also worked closely with the beneficiaries and staff, providing them with training."
Daniela Leahu, project director at the Foundation "Soros Moldova" said, "This project has a total budget of almost €5 million, with €3 million allocated to support 35 energy-efficient social services across our country. We awarded 35 grants to public associations that participated in the social services grant competition. Our investment focuses not only on improving building efficiency but also on enhancing the quality of social services."
