Build an environmental training center in Moldova

I was introduced to the magic of EcoVillage Moldova the very first week that I arrived here as a long-term volunteer. It was August 2025, and I had barely unpacked. Along came 31 teenage girls for a “Girls4Green” bootcamp, in partnership with the International Labour Organization. 

I still clearly remember the participants’ enthusiasm and energy. Their favorite session was when five female professionals came to share about their experience in the fields of green energy and sustainability. The women spread out for small group conversations across the many cozy spaces in EcoVillage. Our guests spoke about their careers, education, and experience as women in their domains. Many of the participants had never had these types of conversations before, and I could tell they were star-struck. 

I watched as our facilitators carefully transformed the girls from a collection of hesitant strangers into a tight-knit group of friends. By the end of the first day, they were comfortably laughing and chatting together. By the second, they were sharing vulnerable stories about the challenges of being a young woman. And their departure on the third day was full of teary goodbyes and promises to stay in touch. 

I also was impressed by how the EcoVillage team worked like a well-oiled machine to take care of all the girls’ needs, preparing excellent food, comfortable and clean living spaces, and continually adjusting the facilitation to fit the needs of the participants. 

Since August, I’ve seen our team inspire our guests many times over. But the camp for girls holds a special place in my memory. So I’m excited that we’re running it again in just a couple weeks - and I’m not the only one: 300 girls applied to attend! We look forward to making the EcoVillage magic happen again, for a new group of young Moldovan women. And thank you, donors, for helping make it a reality.