Build an environmental training center in Moldova

Dear friends,

Over the course of 2021, thanks to your continuous support, we’ve been planting seeds for building sustainable communities through various educational programs. Looking at ways to address climate change, energy efficiency, waste management, organic gardening, peace-building, we focused on training multipliers like school teachers and young activists. As they address these topics in their own communities, they start building local resiliency.

A friend of mine recently said: “Build communities in peaceful times to be able to face a crisis together”. As the war in Ukraine rages on, as more and more Ukrainian refugees come to Moldova, these words ring the bell more than ever.

I can not forget the morning of February 24 when all our family woke up from the sounds of explosions coming from the neighboring Ukraine. Since that day, along countless other initiatives around the country, our Training Center shifted its operation from organizing educational events to hosting Ukrainian families fleeing their homes. In less than a month over 130 people found a safe place at EcoVillage Moldova and multiple host families in our village. Over 360,000 Ukrainian refugees came to Moldova since the beginning of war, about 2/3 travelling further to Europe.

It has been a great test for all of us to see how strong are the partnerships, organizational capacity, community resilience in facing unexpected challenges like this war in our region. But It showed once again the importance of strong communities that allows for mobilization of resources on a short notice, exchange of vital information and timely support where needed.

Thank you for being part of this community and for your continuous engagement!