Aim: Support for democratization, civil society development and democratic rights in Gagauzia.

 

• 500 young people from Gagauzia from 10 educational institutions
• 30 teachers from 10 educational institutions
• 10 representatives from five NGOs
• 10 politicians

Description of the project: Gagauzia is in the ethnically rich southern region of Moldova that is home to 4, 6 % of the country's population. Considerable political tension arose in the country after the government signed the agreement to joining the European Union. Not only did residents of Gagauzia disagree with the decision, they would preferred to become part of the Eurasian Union led by Russia, despite the situation in Ukraine. On February 3rd, 2014, a referendum took place in Gagauzia. About 97% of voters demanded independence and closer relationships with Russia in case Moldova would join the EU.

 

The average age of the population of Gagauzia is at a relatively low level of around 34 years old. The average age of voters in the referendum was approximately 50 years old. According to the survey, people younger than 35 years of age living in Gagauzia are involved in decision-making processes at a low level and do not have an overview of political issues either. The Success nonprofit organization conducted a survey poll among people younger than 35 years in five municipalities of Gaugazia. The outcomes showed that 88% of respondents did not participate in the referendum and 32% of the participants voted for either independence or a partnership with Russia. The local young people could be considered politically and civically inactive in elections and other decision-making processes. Likewise, Gagauzia youth are not generally aware of the EU attitudes and the benefits of its membership. The behavior of young voters can be explained by the manipulation of the political leaders or their inability to critically evaluate information.

 

Caritas CR focuses on three main activities in that region: to raise awareness of Gagauzia youth ages 16 to 25 years concerning political and civic engagement; to improve the skills of young people to critically access information and express their views and opinions. Finally, on how to spread awareness about the European democratic values ​​and the advantages of partnership with the European Union and the benefits it could bring to their region and to Moldova. Caritas CR cooperates with local educational institutions (for example Middle or High schools), non-governmental organizations and political representatives.

 

The forty future trainers of the youth will go through six days of training until April 2016. Since in April they will run an informational campaign on the theme of "Week of learning about democratic values ​​of the EU" for ten schools which focuses on informing 500 young people about the attitudes and values ​​of the European community. Caritas CR will also help to organize an exhibition entitled the "Gagauzia Youth for Europe" on Europe Day which is going to be attended by at least 100 young people from the ten participating educational institutions. There will also be about ten Skype conferences held with the students from the Czech Republic and Gagauzia eventually. They will exchange their experiences in the field of active citizenship. Besides public debates with the political representatives, Caritas will organize a summer school of political engagement attended by 30 young people from 10 participating educational institutions, representatives of 10 NGOs, 10 politicians and 2 national experts. The output of the summer school will become The Joint Declaration Gagauzia Youth which is going to be performed by students in public debates with the political representatives of Gagauzia.

 

Thanks to the Caritas activities, Gagauzia youth will able to realize their value and role in society as well as learn how to defend their broader social interests ahead of political leaders in the region.

 

Total budget: 51 000 EUR

 

Donor: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Transition Promotion Program