Norwegian projects in Moldova
Several Norwegian authorities and NGOs do important work in the Republic of Moldova. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports a number of projects and local initiatives in areas such as health care, education, anti-trafficking, environment, democracy and civil society. State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kim Traavik, met with both Norwegian and Moldavian aid workers when he visited Chisinau in March.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently increased its already substantial budget for project cooperation and humanitarian aid to Moldova. The funds are allocated through the ministry in Oslo to a wide variety of authorities and organizations, including Norwegian aid organizations. In addition, there is a Small Project Fund administered by the Norwegian Embassy in Bucharest. These funds are granted both to Norwegian, Moldavian and international actors.
One of the leading Norwegian aid organizations in Moldova is called Help Moldova. This NGO provides aid in terms of equipment and training of medical personnel to hospitals. Help Moldova is also a partner for Norwegian companies who give furniture and other equipment to different institutions. State Secretary Traavik visited one of the hospitals supported by this organization in the end of March. With the assistance from Help Moldova this hospital has been enabled to perform advanced eye surgery on children, dramatically improving their vision and quality of life.
"Another Smiling Face" and AHEAD work with disabled children. Through arranging concerts and taking the children out of the institutions, Another Smiling Face does important work not only for the children but also in terms of raising awareness about disabilities. AHEAD provides humanitarian aid to institutions and their most recent project is the development of a family center, where parents can get assistance in taking care of children with a handicap.
The list of organizations is long and the need for support is great. "Brobyggerne" (Bridge Builders) has the fight against tuberculosis as their main priority. The Salvation Army is also very active in Moldova and it is the Norwegian Major Jostein Nielsen who leads this work.
It is encouraging to see the involvement of local actors as well. They are doing a very good job in important areas such as anti-trafficking work, human rights, education and more. The embassy is pleased to have been able to support many of the Moldavian NGOs through the Small Projects Fund.