Soros Foundation-Moldova 2010 Annual Report Contents

2010

SOROS FOUNDATION-MOLDOVA 2010 ANNUAL REPORT CONTENTS

MISSION STATEMENT 2 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 3 YOUTH PROGRAMS 5

EAST EAST PROGRAM: PARTNERSHIP BEYOND BORDERS 7 Subprogram 1: Hosting and Bilateral/Trilateral Projects 9 Subprogram 2: Participating Projects 13

EUROPEAN INITIATIVES PROGRAM 16

Subprogram 1: Awareness and Knowledge 18

Subprogram 2: Monitoring the EU-Moldova Relations 21

PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM 23 Subprogram 1: Mental Health Initiative 25 Subprogram 2: Palliative Care Initiative 27 Subprogram 3: Law and Health Initiative 29 Subprogram 4: Health and Media Initiative 31 Subprogram 5: Harm Reduction 33

CULTURAL POLICY PROGRAM 45

MEDIA PROGRAM 52 Subprogram 1: Support for Independent Local Media 53 Subprogram 2: Support for Media Development in Transnistria 63 Subprogram 3: Legal Framework and Institutional Development 64

Subprogram 4: Capacity Building for the Public Broadcasting Service 68

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND GOOD GOVERNANCE PROGRAM 68 Subprogram 1: Good Governance 70 Subprogram 2: Transparent Public Finance 73

LAW PROGRAM 75 Subprogram 1: Access to Justice 77 Subprogram 2: Criminal Justice 78 Subprogram 3: Judicial Development 79 Subprogram 4: Human Rights Monitoring 80 Other Projects 81

CIVIL SOCIETY PROGRAM 83 Subprogram 1: Awareness and Advocacy Campaigns against Discrimination 85 Subprogram 2: Capacity Building in Advocacy for NGOs 87 Subprogram 3: Empowering Women to Participate in Community Life 88

EMERGENCY FUND 94

2010 EXPENDITURES 96

SFM BOARDS 97

SFM STAFF 99

DIRECTORY 100

MISSION STATEMENT

The Soros Foundation-Moldova (SFM) is a no n-governmental, non-profit, non-partisan organization established in 1992 by philanthropist and financier George Soros to promote open society values in Moldova. The Foundation contributes to the democratization of the society by developing and implementing programs in various areas, such as cultural policy, judiciary reform, public administration and good governance, independent media and access to information, civil society and public health.

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

This report gives an account of the Soros Foundation-Moldova´s activities in 2010 to our partners and the general public. In doing so, we have structured this report as to present SFM´s activities in all the priority areas of its institutional mandate as set by the Board, comprising such critical areas as independence and efficiency of justice, media independence and access to information, good governance and transparency of decision-making, citizens’ participation in decision-making and fight against discrimination. To this end, the Foundation has furthered the development of its programs through advocacy and monitoring activities, knowledge based/knowledge sharing and technical assistance projects.

In the area of Access to Justice, one of the most relevant features of the year was creating a Pilot Network of Community-based Paralegals in the country. The Foundation, with the financial support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), made one more step forward in the legal aid movement by launching a network of 30 community-based paralegals. 14 of them are also working in the social protection area and, therefore, the network sets the background for a mixed system of delivering basic legal aid and information in rural areas; the primary legal advice and education is correlated to the social work for the most marginalized strata of the population. The creation of this network brings not only added value to the access to justice reform movement, but also substantially changes the focus towards legal empowerment of the poor to participate in the decision-making processes. This is viewed as a direct contribution of the legal aid system towards improving the quality of governance by offering the poor people courage and voice. The paralegals started their activity in November 2010. The project team developed and equipped the community paralegals with two guidebooks – “The Citizen’s Legal Guide” and “Methodological Guide for Paralegals”- which were developed using the best worldwide experience in the primary legal aid area. It relies on the experience of South Africa, the Netherlands, Great Britain but also Mongolia and Sierra Leon. The guides are practical tools, developed to help the paralegals in their daily work and serve as a simplified source of legal information for the public.

The high point of SFM’s advocacy activities was probably the positive results achieved in advancing policy reform in several critical areas due to the advocacy efforts of a group of nongovernmental organizations, supported by the Soros Foundation-Moldova and the Swedish Agency for Development and Cooperation, to name just three of them.

For the last four years, a coalition of Moldovan nongovernmental organizations advocated for a law on volunteering that was approved by the Parliament in 2010. The purpose of the law is to promote and facilitate citizens’ participation in voluntary civic activities. It stipulates the volunteers’ rights and obligations, the responsibilities of the host institutions, as well as policies and measures for encouraging volunteering.

The Association of Young Historians, a local organization representing recognized historians, used advocacy instruments with success for the adoption of a law on preserving the archeological heritage, aimed at ensuring a coherent legal framework for safeguarding the national archeological heritage, in line with the conventions and recommendations of UNESCO and Council of Europe.

With our projects, we have concentrated in developing the capacities of local civil society actors to create and implement their own policy reform agendas. Due to their concerted efforts, the law on the public utility of public associations advocated for by the Council of Nongovernmental Organizations from Moldova was approved in 2010 by the Moldovan Parliament. The new law states the criteria for obtaining a public utility certificate and other requirements that are meant to increase the transparency of public associations. It also includes regulations regarding the forms of support for a public utility organization offered by the state and local public.

The foundation’s monitoring activities focused on a number of issues including the central public administration reform, human rights, EU-Moldova relations, etc., triggering, among other things, accountable and transparent governance and a knowledge/evidence-based policymaking.

In May 2010, the Soros Foundation-Moldova launched the first independent comprehensive report on Monitoring the Central Public Administration (CPA) Reform in Moldova. The report carried out by 12 independent local experts, evaluated the first four years of the reform implementation (2006 – 2009)

3 and was presented to all interested stakeholders. It offered an al ternative analysis to the yearly governmental reports and an objective and critical view on the actions undertaken in those four years highlighting some serious drawbacks in reform implementation and formulating recommendations for its enhancement.

Another highlight of the year was the Annual Independent Progress Report on the EU-Moldova Relations presented to the European Commission. During the last four years, the Soros Foundation- Moldova supported independent monitoring by civil society of the EU-Moldova relations progress in the context of the Eastern Partnership Initiative. The report was successfully developed and presented to all interested stakeholders. In 2010, for the first time ever, a summary annual report analyzing Moldova’s progress towards the European integration was drafted and presented to the European Commission as an alternative independent source of information from the civil society perspective to feed into the 2010 Country Progress Report developed by the European Commission.

In 2010, the foundation provided assistance to central and local governments to improve their performance and decision-making practices. During the last two years, the Soros Foundation- Moldova and LGI/OSI –Budapest supported the „Chişinău Municipality Development Project” implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Chişinău Mayor’s office through such activities as the development of the Chişinău Mayor’s office functional analysis and supporting the activity of the working group for drafting the Anti-Crisis and Economic Recovery Action Plan. As a result, on September 23, 2010, the Chişinău Municipality Council approved the Anti-Crisis and Economic Recovery Action Plan for 2010-2012, providing for four objectives of enhancing the budgetary incomes, enhancing the efficiency of public services, supporting economic development and developing administrative capacity, targeting social-economic development of the Chişinău municipality.

The foundation continued its long-time efforts in securing and protecting the rights of marginalized groups including the right of children and adults with disabilities to live and participate in the community as equal citizens. In particular, the Community for All initiative, a partnership between civil society and government, implemented by Keystone Human Services International, Moldova, worked to bring about the shift from large residential institutions to care in the community for people with mental disabilities, in a sustainable manner. This was achieved through the development of community-based services for residents of an institution for boys with severe mental disabilities from Orhei, and by establishing the legal framework for the provision of alternative, community-based services for persons with intellectual disabilities. Due to the project team’s efforts, the Strategy on Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities was developed and approved by the Moldovan Government and the Parliament, as well as the Regulations and Quality Standards for Supported Semi-Independent Living Services and Community Home Services (small group homes). The development and approval of other regulatory framework for community-based social care services for persons with intellectual disabilities is underway. Among other achievements of the year we could also mention the four mobile team services established in Bălţi, Ialoveni, Hînceşti and Chişinău; the two educational resource centers operating in two community schools; the first foster care service established for children with mental disabilities; the three community homes which are being refurbished. However, there are still major challenges ahead; among them, the outdated financial mechanisms that continue to favor institutional care, the economic situation in Moldova, the scarcity of community-based alternatives to institutions, and the fact that these are operated mostly with donor funding.

During this past year, the foundation made the most of its valuable experience and organizational capabilities to serve more effectively SFM´s mission. Nevertheless, Moldova’s adherence to open society values and democratic practices remains a key challenge for SFM; a challenge to which SFM´s staff, boards, and its partners will devote all their energy and capacities in the years to come.

Victor Ursu Executive Director

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Youth Action Fund Grantee: Youth Development Center (YDC) Project manager: Corneliu CIRIMPEI Summary: The Youth Action Fund (YAF) represents a program initiated by the Open Society Institute in 2008 with the goal to identify and support youth initiative groups that can mobilize and influence a big number of peers in order to promote the ideals of an open society. This program is being simultaneously implemented in several countries: Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Nepal, Serbia and Uganda.

The Youth Action Fund supports the following types of activities: − skills development and peer education events, whose content is provided by youth participants; − activism aimed to raise awareness and a ddress open society issues – youth campaigns, youth mobilization projects; − media related projects aimed at increasing the flow of information or uncovering issues not addressed in the mainstream media; − innovative projects aimed at raising awareness about human rights.

The applications to this Program are being submitted via an online application system at www.soros.org/youth. The evaluation is done by a group of three experts. The implementation of this program in the Republic of Moldova is facilitated by the YDC, responsible for the promotion of the program and monitoring the projects that are approved for funding. During 2010, 62 requests for funding, coming from various groups from different regions of the country were submitted to the Youth Action Fund. The following six projects were approved for funding:

Free Access to Legislation, administered by Alexei URALOV from T.G. Şevcenco Tiraspol State University from Transnistria. The project was implemented by a group of young people and aimed to facilitate free access to legislation on human rights, as well as offer legal assistance to citizens from 12 villages on the left side of the Nistru River. Additionally, several trainings for local population were conducted. $5,050

Youth for Aesthetical Development, administered by Irina BUMBU from Căinari. The project aimed to develop aesthetic values among the youth from Căinari. To this end, a picture gallery and several trainings were organized. The young artists had the opportunity to demonstrate the outcomes of their work. $4,510

Youth in Action: Eco-Hike, administered by Sergiu GRIGORIEV from Dubăsari. The goal of the project was to involve 40 people in cleaning up the Nistru River around the following villages: Coşniţa, Doroţcaia, Pîrîta, and Pohrebea. $4,946

Promoting Civic Engagement through Environment Awareness Campaigns, administered by Tatiana BENCHICI from Alexandru cel Bun high school from Rezina. The project aimed to eliminate the illegal dumping in the Saharna historical and cultural region by youth involvement within an awareness campaign targeted to promote environmental education among the locals and visitors of this site. $8,877

Developing Youth Cooperation from the two Banks of the Nistru River, administered by Marina ILIIN from Rîbniţa. Joint activities involving youth from Rezina and Rîbniţa were carried out in the framework of this project, including environmental awareness marching, public debates, social theater, etc. $6,147

Fighting Social HIV/AIDS Stereotypes, administered by Maria ROŞCA from Drochia. The project included nine trainings on HIV/AIDS prevention for teenagers from various villages of the rayon of Drochia. $5,920

www.cevreaueu.md – Linking up Citizens and Political Parties, administered by Sergiu COSTAŞ from Chişinău. An online platform was developed within this project as an opportunity to address questions to political parties involved in the election campaign at that moment. Political parties’ representatives had the chance to promote themselves through answering the questions that were addressed by citizens. $5,376

Transnistrian War – 18 Years of Struggle, administered by Constantin UZDRIŞ from Chişinău. A documentary was produced based on the post- war Transnistrian events. $4,485

(The project administration costs were financed from 2009 budget.)

Focusing Youth Action Fund at Regional Level Grantee: Youth Development Center (YDC) Project manager: Corneliu CIRIMPEI Summary: The project aimed to identify and support the youth that is able to mobilize a big number of peers in promoting open society values and engaging youth in community problem-solving. To address this issue, a Social Innovation Camp and a Regional Youth Parliament were organized. The Social Innovation Camp took place during August 2-7, 2010, involving 40 young people from different regions of the country. The goal of this activity was to provide skills in using online tools in order to solve community problems. As a result, six project proposals developed by participants were submitted to different donors for funding. The Regional Youth Parliament was set up during October – November 2010 with the goal to engage youth from rural areas in community life as well as train them in writing project proposals that would be later submitted for funding to the Youth Action Fund of OSI. The young parliamentarians were elected by their peers to represent their interests and contribute to solving community problems. Among the first activities, the www.tinericahul.md regional website was launched, serving as an information platform for youth providing transparency of Parliament activities. The first plenary session with the participation of 40 young people was conducted in December. The agenda included discussions on the Youth Parliament’s mission, the working strategy, a general overview of the YAF program and a future action plan for the upcoming meeting. $29,399

Youth in the 21st Century: Debating and Producing Media Workshop Grantee: National High School Debate League (NHSDL) Project manager: Iulia MOLDOVAN Summary: The project supported the organization of a workshop on new media for 40 young people from the Republic of Moldova and Romania. The participants discussed subjects regarding the relationship between youth and media, ways of interaction and their role in the society. The youth had a chance to develop their skills in the field of new media including video production, blogging, persuasion and efficient communication. $26,574

Analysis of Community Problems through Debates Grantee: National High School Debate League Project manager: Iulia MOLDOVAN Summary: The project budget was increased with $4,147 in order to provide institutional support to nine of the most active debate clubs from the following localities: Călăraşi, Rezina, Străşeni, Doroţcaia, Criuleni, Cimişlia, Bravicea, and Văsieni. $4,147

Total Youth Programs expenditures: $60,120

EAST EAST: PARTNERSHIP BEYOND BORDERS PROGRAM (EE: PBBP)

Vision: A sustainable partnership between Moldova and other countries of the world, in particular from Central and Eastern Europe, promoting an efficient cooperation and identifying regional and global experiences, expertise and innovative practices to facilitate solving issues of major public concern the new democracies face.

Context: The majority of the initiatives implemented during 2010 within the EE: PBBP were based on the previous program strategy developed in collaboration with representative NGOs, think tanks, media and public institutions from Central and Eastern Europe. They contributed to bringing about major changes throughout the region and particularly, in the Republic of Moldova.

Due to the efforts undertaken by the new Moldovan government and the openness of the European and international organizations towards supporting its reform agenda, the trust in Moldovan authorities at the international level increased significantly, managing to return the country to democratic practices, ensuring a complex process of restructuring and functioning of its institutions. In this context, the EE:PBBP contributed to this process by supporting initiatives that helped internationalize the social and political situation of Moldova that led to breaking informational barriers and establishing diverse channels of communication, empowering the Moldovan civil society to search appropriate solutions to issues of major concern, especially through their counterparts from the new EU member states.

Through supporting public discussions on Moldova’s European future, it was possible to contribute to building a positive image of the country and to spread throughout Europe information about Moldova as a f ragile democracy with a c lear European agenda that needs international support and better understanding of the difficulties it faces. The lessons gained by the new EU member states proved to be the most relevant in that sense. Thus, by raising public awareness concerning the threats and risks that jeopardize democracy in Moldova, it was possible to mobilize the European public opinion to strengthen the Moldovan civil society’s efforts through advocacy actions synchronized with that of civil societies from the countries of the region, ensuring the transfer of their experience and strengthening social changes that had helped many of them to become EU members a few years before. Some of the program initiatives raised these issues in a cross-cutting way, the experiences of Latvia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia or Romania being among the most relevant.

The key issues of the security system and development of its architecture in the EU Eastern Neighborhood were addressed comprehensively, aiming to contribute to the process of democratization of the Moldovan society through a regional perspective. This initiative was developed with the contribution of national and international actors, involving decision-makers and civil society, facilitating a public discussion on the security system reform in Moldova through building a common approach to its security future, based on the experience available in the new and old EU member states. It also facilitated the process of learning from lessons acquired by the European countries with various security patterns. It offered the possibility to Moldovan decision-makers and c ivil society to become familiar with various models of building security and to clarify the notion of neutrality that is stated in Moldova’s Constitution and familiarized civil society with the foreign policy trends within Europe, as well as debated diverse opinions and examples of building national security that aim to ensure regional stability.

In the area of HR protection, the program explored experience transfer at the global level, targeting socially vulnerable groups from Moldova by identifying alternative opportunities for providing legal aid to them. The study visit to the Republic of South Africa organized for Moldovan experts and decision-makers contributed to a better understanding of the model applied there regarding access to justice of marginalized groups and learning from relevant practices on how to apply them in rural communities from Moldova.

The issue of overcoming poverty and ensuring economic growth was addressed through offering access to the experience of the new EU member states and the way the reforms were carried out in these countries in order to better respond to accession requirements. In that sense, the advanced experience of the Czech Republic and Romania served as an opportunity to explore this field. The assessment done by the Czech

7 and Moldovan experts identified that Moldova lagged behind in terms of local development and related policy framework, therefore the Czech experience gained over the last decade in infrastructure, science and technology parks and business incubators development was of an enormous value. The success of technologic development, innovation and research and development activities could contribute to promoting and implementing reforms, which largely depend on Moldova’s domestic policies and local support. Therefore, this initiative will stimulate the interest of regional actors in defining these policies and extending their support to other areas. It is also expected that the Czech experience and knowledge will contribute to empowering the project beneficiaries – Moldovan experts, local authorities, NGOs from the field of local economic development – to become promoters of new approaches and will enable decision- makers to be more consistent in the implementation of necessary reforms. The study developed within this initiative reflected the current institutional set-up existing in the Republic of Moldova that is not favoring yet a rapid advance of innovation and building the entrepreneurial skills, therefore it still needs a considerable improvement.

The issue of building good governance was also addressed through a better understanding and assessment of the historical past and consequences of the totalitarian regime that still affect people’s mentality and allow political forces to use their nostalgia for the not-yet-forgotten soviet past. However, the events of the last year demonstrated that the young generation doesn’t want to accept paying the bills for the totalitarian past, being educated on other values than the elderly. So, being evident that the European future of the Republic of Moldova is incompatible with the totalitarian ideology, the issue was brought up to a larger public through a collection of articles developed by national and international experts involved in this initiative.

Another priority addressed consistently by the program referred to youth engagement and participation, building youth’s capacities and development of their abilities to adjust to the demands of the market economy and challenges of the modern society. Functioning as a w atchdog and developing strategies to influence the decision-making process through civic participation, learning from available experiences in the region and cross-regionally, the Moldovan youths increased their capacity for becoming an actor to be taken into consideration by the decision and policy-makers. This is relevant especially when talking about a stronger collaboration of NGOs with local authorities in addressing community problems based on experiences from other countries such as Poland, Romania, Estonia, Ukraine or Bulgaria and facilitating access to advanced experiences in involving citizens in decision-making at local level thus contributing to ensuring the transparency of this process in Moldova.

At the same time, the program explored the opportunities offered by the EU Eastern Partnership Initiative to the EU neighborhood countries, multiplying the democratization efforts of six countries of the former soviet bloc. The majority of problems they are confronted with are quite similar; this is seen as an additional opportunity to address issues jointly, encouraging initiatives aimed to enforce internal reforms. To this end, a j oint Moldovan-Georgian-Armenian-Azerbaijani initiative focused on hum an rights protection was implemented, building a network of Human Rights NGOs from EaP countries. Moldova has already registered certain achievements in the process of democratization comparative to other EaP countries, so it is expected that there would be a more motivated interest in developing collaboration in this area. Concrete fields of interest and a real need for exchange of experience and ideas are in the process of being identified, contributing to building democratic societies in the entire region.

Program Director: Ana COREŢCHI, Email: [email protected] Program Coordinator: Marina SCLIFOS, Email: [email protected]

List of Acronyms: EaP Eastern Partnership EU European Union IDIS Institute for Development and Social Initiatives OSI Open Society Institute PPP Public-Private Partnership

SUBPROGRAM 1: HOSTING AND BILATERAL/TRILATERAL PROJECTS

Exploring Lessons in South Africa for the Emerging Legal Aid System in Moldova Organizers: Public Defender’s Office from Moldova and Street Law South Africa, Institute of Professional Legal Training of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban Project manager: Nadejda HRIPTIEVSCHI, Legal Consultant, Public Defender’s Office Time and place: February - April, South Africa and Moldova Summary: This initiative promoted access to justice of vulnerable groups in Moldova through an inclusive and evidence-based legal aid policy-making process based on the South African experience. $26,218

Promoting Civic Engagement in Transparent Local Decision-making Organizers: Association of the Graduates of the Academy of Public Administration of Moldova and Association of Lawyers for the Development of the Law in Public Interest and Harmonization of Bulgarian and European Law, Sofia Project manager: Angela DASTIC, President, Association of the Graduates of the Academy of Public Administration of Moldova Time and place: March – May 2010, Bulgaria and Moldova Summary: This initiative aimed at sharing experience in sustainable local development of small towns and villages, modern management tools and participative decision-making processes, implemented in Bulgaria for transfer and potential adaptation in Moldova. $17,352

Impact of Trilateral Cooperation: Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova Organizers: EE: PBB Program of the International Renaissance Foundation from Ukraine, Soros Foundation-Moldova, and Soros Foundation Romania Project manager: Veaceslav BULAT, Executive Director, Institute for Urban Development Time and place: April 24-25, Ukraine Summary: The initiative aimed to assess the impact of trilateral programming among civil society organizations in Ukraine, Romania and Moldova and to plan future strategies for developing collaboration. $1,604

Democracy after Totalitarianism: Lessons of 20 Years Organizers: ANTIM Association of Young Historians of Moldova, EE: PBB Program of the Soros Foundation-Moldova and Soros Foundation Romania Project manager: Sergiu MUSTEAŢĂ, President, Association of Young Historians of Moldova Time and place: March 2010 – May 2011, Romania and Moldova Summary: This initiative contributed to sharing knowledge concerning the study and assessment of communist regimes and facilitated public discussion among experts in totalitarian studies, authorities and civil society representatives. The materials of the roundtable discussions held in Chişinău were published in a separate book to be disseminated to public institutions and organizations interested in these issues. $26,906

Raising Youth Awareness about EU Opportunities Organizers: Regional CONTACT Center from Bălţi and Movement for Democratic Thinking from Latvia Project manager: Veronica ŞCUT, Executive Director, Regional CONTACT Center from Bălţi Time and place: May – November, Latvia and Moldova Summary: This initiative contributed to raising the level of knowledge and abilities of local NGO leaders in Moldova on efficient methods of interaction with citizens in promoting European integration. $9,988

Economic Transformation: Development of Innovation and Entrepreneurial Skills Organizers: CzechINVENT Technology Agency and Expert-Grup Analytical Center, Moldova Project manager: Iulia SÎRGHI, Program Coordinator, Expert-Grup Time and place: May 2010 – February 2011, the Czech Republic and Moldova Summary: This initiative promoted economic reform and transformation in Moldova by sharing the Czech Republic experience in the development of business incubators and science and technology

9 parks, in view of strengthening Moldovan society’s capacity for innovation and technological development. $21,265

Best Practices in Transborder Investigative Journalism Organizers: Center for Investigative Journalism of Moldova and Romanian Center for Investigative Journalism Project manager: Cornelia COZONAC-BOGONOVSCHI, Executive Director, Center for Investigative Journalism Time and place: June – November, Romania and Moldova Summary: This initiative facilitated the access of investigative journalists and civil society from Moldova to best practices from Romania regarding cross-border investigations, regionalizing this cooperation by engaging relevant actors from Central and Eastern Europe. $24,306

Security Architecture in the EU Eastern Neighborhood: Challenges and Realities Organizers: Pro Marshall Center of the Republic of Moldova and EE: PBB Program of the Soros Foundation-Moldova Project manager: Tatiana BUSUNCIAN, Executive Director, Pro Marshall Center Time and place: June 2010 – May 2011, Moldova Summary: This initiative contributed to facilitating dialogue on security system reform in Moldova, building a common approach to security issues among decision-makers and civil society representatives based on the new EU member states experience. $23,700

EU Experience in Designing Opportunities for Youth: Employment and Careers Organizers: National Center for European Initiatives Support in Moldova and Romanian Economic Students' Association Project manager: Anastasia IONAŞ, Executive Director, National Center for European Initiatives Support in Moldova Time and place: September – November, Moldova and Romania Summary: This initiative aimed at facilitating Moldovan youth’s access to best practices and European standards of youth employment and engagement and at promoting the youth as active agents of change in social development. $9,260

Strengthening Critical Thinking on Accelerating Conflict Resolution in Moldova through Active Involvement of International Actors Organizers: IDIS Institute for Development and Social Initiatives from Moldova, Center for Eastern Studies from Poland and EE: PBB Program of the Soros Foundation-Moldova Project manager: Corneliu CIUREA, Program Coordinator, IDIS Time and place: September 2010 - May 2011, Poland and Moldova Summary: The initiative aimed to identify alternative scenarios of solving the conflict in Transnistria by engaging decision- and policy makers, think tanks and civil society actors from various countries and to contribute to increasing regional security through the development of policy recommendations to be included in a joint strategic paper. $21,082

Developing a Collaborative Approach to Policies of the Russian Federation Organizers: Institute for Public Policy from Moldova, Center for Conflict Prevention and Early Warning from Bucharest and Institute for Euro-Atlantic Cooperation from Ukraine Project manager: Oazu NANTOI, Program Director, Institute for Public Policy from Moldova Time and place: September 2010 – March 2011, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine Summary: An initiative aimed to assess challenges faced within the region and to identify collaborative approaches and solutions for Romania, Moldova and Ukraine related to the policies pursued by the Russian Federation. $5,041

Strengthening Youth Activism: Participating in Community Development Organizers: MilleniuM Institute of Study in Development from Moldova and Local Activity Group Partnership Foundation for Warmia, Poland Project manager: Vitalie CÎRHANĂ, Executive Director, MilleniuM Institute of Study in Development from Moldova Time and place: November 2010 – May 2011, Moldova and Poland Summary: This initiative facilitated youth access to best practices and lessons learned in social activism and engaging in community development in cooperation with local authorities and community members, based on concrete actions and peer-to-peer approach developed by Moldovan and Polish counterparts during the project implementation. $9,745

Observance and Protection of Human Rights in Countries of the Eastern Partnership Organizers: Promo-LEX Association of Moldova, Union Article 42 of the Constitution of Georgia, Human Rights Center of Azerbaijan and OSI Assistance Foundation - Armenia Project manager: Olga MANOLE, Program Coordinator, Promo-LEX Association Time and place: July 2010 – May 2011, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova Summary: An initiative aimed at developing cooperation and consolidating efforts among civil society organizations from Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan in identifying new strategies and approaches to advancing human rights protection in the countries of the Eastern Partnership. $18,593

Promoting Influence of NGOs and Media on Government Transparency in Border Regions Organizers: International Association of Small and Medium Business Small Euro Business from Moldova, ANA Charitable Foundation from Romania, Bukovynian Perspectives Chernivtsi Regional Public Union and Social Resources, and Initiatives Charitable Foundation from Ukraine Project manager: Andrei BALÎNSCHI, President, Small Euro Business Association Time and place: November 2010 – March 2011, Romania, Ukraine, Moldova Summary: This initiative aimed to encourage non-governmental organizations to work together with local authorities for the development of the Upper Prut Euro-Region and to establish inter-sectoral links and engage citizens in regional strategic planning and decision-making processes. $1,172

Building Public-Private Partnerships to Ensure Sustainable Community Development Organizers: Institute for Urban Development from Moldova, CzechINVENT Technology Agency and PAUCI Foundation from Poland Project manager: Veaceslav BULAT, Executive Director, Institute for Urban Development Time and place: October 2010 – March 2011, Poland, the Czech Republic, Moldova Summary: This initiative facilitated an exchange of experience among policy-makers and representatives of local governments in Moldova, the Czech Republic, and Poland in the application of PPP and developing policy recommendations for fostering the implementation of PPP initiatives in Moldova based on the experience and lessons gained in Central and Eastern Europe. $10,696

Engagement beyond Borders for Disabled Young People Organizers: Alaturi de Voi Foundation from Romania, Ecoul Cernobîlului Foundation and Young and Free Resource Center from Moldova Project managers: Natalia HASAN, President, Ecoul Cernobîlului Foundation and Dorina FOCŞA, Coordinator, Young and Free Resource Center Time and place: July - December, Romania Summary: An initiative aimed at promoting social and professional integration of disabled young people, including young people living with HIV/AIDS, by strengthening their vocational and advocacy capacity and raising community awareness about the integration opportunities offered by their Romanian counterparts. $4,171

Transnistrian Crisis: Is Reconciliation a Way Out? Organizers: Association for Middle East Studies from Ukraine and Promo-Lex Association from Moldova Project manager: Alexandru ZUBCO, Lawyer, Promo-Lex Association

Time and place: December 11-15, Yalta, Ukraine Summary: An initiative of the Ukrainian partner aimed to develop positive models of reconciliation for the stakeholders from both parts of the Transnistrian conflict using external patterns such as the Crimean or Kyrgyz case, going from the human dimensions of the conflict. This meeting served as an opportunity for exchanging opinions on building reconciliation in divided communities that could bring closer the opposite viewpoints expressed by the participants from the left and right banks of the Nistru River. The Moldovan experts opted for a stronger involvement of civil societies from Ukraine and Moldova as an opportunity for searching solutions to the deadlock that exists in the Transnistrian case. $1,976

Total Subprogram 1 expenditures: $233,075

SUBPROGRAM 2: PARTICIPATING PROJECTS

This subprogram aims at supporting Moldovan experts’ participation in events organized in the framework of the EE: PBB Program by the Open Society Foundations/Institutions from Central and Eastern Europe. Participants in these events are recommended either by the hosting event organizer or by the Soros Foundation-Moldova.

Impact of the Visa Liberalization System on Migration from Eastern Europe to the EU Leonidas CRISCIUNAS, Expert, Moldovan-Lithuanian Foundation January 25-27, Warsaw, Poland $757

Stepping Back from the End of History: Post-Socialist States and Societies 20 Years after 1989 Ana PASCARU, Head of Philosophy Department, Institute of History, State and Law, Academy of Sciences of Moldova Ana COREŢCHI, EE: PBB Program Director, Soros Foundation-Moldova February 17-18, Prague, the Czech Republic $1,320

Evaluating Current Institutionalized Consultation Process: Influencing Decision-making Processes Igor MUNTEANU, Executive Director, IDIS Institute for Development and Social Initiatives February 24-26, Bucharest, Romania $502

Engaging Young People in the Youth Policy Development Process Sergiu BEJENARU, Program Coordinator, Youth Governing Institute from Moldova March 10-17, Donetsk, Ukraine $541

Historical Memory and National Permutations in Post-Socialist Countries Ludmila COADĂ, Head of the History and International Relations Department, Free International University of Moldova March 4-7, Kazan, Russia $352

Dimensions of Citizenship and Education Elena MURSA, President, Association for European Training and Information Arina KRAIJDAN, Head of the International Relations Department, Perspectiva-INT University May 7-11, Bratislava, Slovakia $1,020

Civil Society Law Expert Meeting Svetlana ROGOV, Deputy Head of Department, Ministry of Constructions and Regional Development Aliona SÂRBU, President, Center of Public Integrity, State University from Cahul Vladislav MELNIC, Program Coordinator, Eurasia Foundation Moldova June 2-5, Sol Nessebar, Bulgaria $1,908

Conflict Resolution: Peace Education Brings Peace to Society Silvia BARBAROV, Program Coordinator, Pro Didactica Educational Center Lilia NAHABA, Program Coordinator, Pro Didactica Educational Center May 14-21, Simferopol, Ukraine $274

Friendly EU Borders: Relations with Eastern Neighbors Alexandru PLATON, Coordinator, Institute for Public Policy from Moldova May 17, Moscow, Russian Federation $348

Networking for Prevention of Child and Youth Trafficking in Eastern Europe and Central Asia Veronica JOSAN, Program Coordinator, La Strada International Center for Women’s Rights Protection and Promotion from Moldova June 7-13, Bansko, Bulgaria $797

Capacity Building of the Foreign Policy Community in Latvia Vladimir LUPAN, Independent expert Igor MUNTEANU, Executive Director, IDIS Institute for Development and Social Initiatives June 18-19, Riga, Latvia $726

Development of the Palliative Care Curriculum in Nursing Schools Maria MOGOREANU, member of the Nursing Association of the Republic of Moldova Elena TRIBOI, member of the Nursing Association of the Republic of Moldova Angela BARONCEA, Head of the Training Department, National College of Medicine and Pharmacy June 3-5, Braşov, Romania $252

Uniting Efforts in the Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Igor MERIACRE, Executive Director, Motivaţie Association Ecaterina GOLOVATÎI, Program Coordinator, Keystone Human Services International Association from Moldova Mariana MATFEI, PR Manager and UN Convention Promotion, Motivaţie Association Valentina PAVLOV, Social Assistant, Motivaţie Association Nicolae GOLOVATÎI, volunteer, Motivaţie Association Mariana ŢIBULAC, Press Officer, Center of Legal Assistance for People with Disabilities July 25-28, Poltava, Ukraine $1,035

Civil Society in Sustainable Development in the Former Soviet Bloc Countries Bordering the EU Ioana BOBÎNĂ, Director, Information and Coordination Center, Environmental Movement of Moldova Victor CIMPOIEŞ, Director, Cutezătorul Public Association, Făleşti Marian ŢARIGRADSCHI, Coordinator, Pădurea Domnească National Park Iacob AJDER, President, Cross-border Cooperation and European Integration Agency from Cahul Cristina MOISEI, Project Coordinator, Business Consulting Institute Vladimir ŢURCANU, Head of Department, Apele Moldovei Agency August 22-28, Tartu, Varska and Narva, Estonia $3,381

Media Literacy: A Regional Approach and Exchange Doina COSTIN, Coordinator, Independent Journalism Center Nadejda GOGU, Executive Director, Independent Journalism Center October 28-30, Tirana, Albania $1,279

Making the Voice Heard through Peaceful Demonstrations: Youth Involvement and Challenges Alexei BUZU, Program Coordinator, Partnership for Development Center Denis CENUŞĂ, Political Analyst, portal coordinator, www.europa.md Vadim FILIPOV, President, Ecoul Prieteniei Association from Cocieri, Dubăsari County Victoria IVANCIOGLO, President, Perspectiva Association from Cahul Sergiu GURĂU, President, Eco-Răzeni Public Association Tatiana CEBOTARI, Board Member, Council of the European Students in Technology, Moldova Radu GUŞTIUC, Journalist, TeleRadio Moldova Public Company; member of the Youth Parliament of Moldova Dorina FOCŞA, Secretary, National Council of NGOs; project coordinator at the Young and Free Training Resource Center

Nicolae PANFIL, Secretary of the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections in Moldova Ana CONDRAT, Executive Director, Youth for the Right to Life Association Victoria MOROZOV, PR Manager, Friends of Children Association Roman GAŢCAN, Volunteers’ Coordinator, Service for Peace Organization, Grătieşti November 1-4, Tallinn, Estonia $8,432

Innovative Approaches to Overcoming Victimization of Children Daniela POPESCU, President, National Center for Child Abuse Prevention Mariana GORNEA, Deputy Head of the Department for Minors and Human Rights Protection, General Prosecutor Office Natalia TERTEAC, Consultant in Child Protection, Municipal Department for Children’s Rights Protection Victoria ADĂSCĂLIŢĂ, Lecturer, Psychology Department, Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University of Moldova November 8-11, Sofia, Bulgaria $2,377

Parent/Teacher Associations in Action Mariana BUDAN, President, Speranţa Association from Cahul Galina PÂRVANĂ, Program Coordinator, Speranţa Association from Cahul Silvia DEMIAN, Deputy Director, Vasile Alecsandri Lyceum from Bălţi November 12-23, Nowy Sacz, Poland $2,514

Networking for Prevention of Child and Youth Trafficking in Eastern Europe and Central Asia Veronica JOSAN, Project Coordinator, La Strada International Center for Women’s Rights Protection and Promotion from Moldova Aliona STEPAN, Program Coordinator, Child Rights Information Center from Moldova November 20-26, Bansko, Bulgaria $1,590

Total Subprogram 2 expenditures: $29,405

Program administration expenditures: $43,672 Total EE: PBBP Expenditures: $306,152

EUROPEAN INITIATIVES PROGRAM

Vision: a modern, democratic and well informed Moldovan society that actively acquires the EU values and supports Moldova’s endeavors to join EU.

Context: - an enhanced political dialogue in negotiating the European integration agenda and new challenges faced by the Moldovan Government in fulfilling its European integration commitments - a procrastinated political crisis and limited progress in implementing sustainable reforms in the context of the alignment with the European standards - insufficient expertise in various sectors relevant in the context of negotiating a new Moldova- EU agreement - a still poorly informed public and poor knowledge about the EU and its mechanisms - insufficient public debate and understanding of various aspects of EU and accession process

In 2010, the European Initiatives Program (EIP) activities were focused on achieving the following objectives:

- to contribute to shaping policies on EU related issues by enhancing public debate and providing professional expertise in the field - to increase awareness and improve knowledge about EU. - The Program continued its efforts to spread information and knowledge on EU, EU-Moldova relations and support the activities of the European Information Center and enrich its book collection with valuable resources.

The EIP redesigned the information portal www.europa.md, a unique online information resource in Moldova strictly focused on the EU and EU integration topics. It also intensified its efforts to promote the webpage online and enhance its visibility.

To increase the quality of the European Studies at university level, thus fostering education of knowledgeable and skillful professionals, as well as to foster communication and collaboration between Moldovan and Romanian universities, a study visit to six Romanian universities of 15 faculty members teaching European Studies was organized.

11 out of 12 selected books on the EU related topics were translated, published and largely distributed in the entire country including public libraries, public authorities, higher education institutions and NGOs. This project was initiated in 2007 and by 2011 it should reach a successful ending. The last remaining book will be translated and published in the course of 2011.

The EIP continued to support civil society efforts to monitor the progress of EU-Moldova relations within the Eastern Partnership Initiative through a grant awarded to ADEPT and Expert-Grup that aims at informing the public on the progress registered so far, and also at stimulating public debate and interest for these issues.

In order to contribute to designing coherent policies in fulfilling the country’s European integration agenda, the EIP launched a series of in-depth studies on subjects important in the context of negotiating a new RM-EU agreement. Three studies, offering expert independent analysis and policy recommendations, were issued and presented to all interested stakeholders during the first half of 2010 which are currently used to foster public debates on such topics as: the adherence of Moldova to the Energy Community; the impact of the future free trade agreement with the EU on the agri-food sector; prospects for reforming the air transport services in the context of the future free trade agreement with the EU. Other five studies on the topics relevant in the context of negotiating the future RM-EU agreement were initiated during the second half of 2010 and will be finalized in 2011.

Program Director: Olga CRIVOLIUBIC, Email: [email protected] Program Coordinator: Diana ZAHARIA, Email: [email protected] Program Assistant: Denis BORDIAN, Email: [email protected]

List of Acronyms:

ADEPT Association for Participatory Democracy EIP European Initiatives Program EU European Union EC European Commission Expert-Group Expert Group Independent Analytical Center NGOs Nongovernmental Organizations IDSI Viitorul Institute for Development and Social Initiatives RM Republic of Moldova SUM State University of Moldova

SUBPROGRAM 1: AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE

Objectives:

- to spread information and public knowledge about the EU and European integration - to support public dialog on the advantages and challenges of the European integration process of the Republic of Moldova - to promote the European values in Moldova

Grants:

European Information Center Grantee: Bogdan Petriceicu HASDEU Municipal Public Library Project manager: Savela STARCIUC Summary: The European Information Center (EIC) was established in May 2007 within the premises of the Bodgan Petriceicu HASDEU Municipal Public Library. It offers access to recently published books on the EU and European integration related topics now comprising a total of 1,314 books in four languages, audio and video materials and international magazines for the academia, researchers, public servants and ordinary readers. EIC ensures citizens’ easy access to the necessary information related to the European legislation and EU institutions. In 2010 the EIC had 11,048 visitors and registered a total number of 83,793 of book lending. The activities of the project will be extended over 2011-2012. $28,600 (including $26,166 from 2010 budget and $2,434 from 2009 budget)

Stimulating Debate on Foreign Policy at Expert and Society Level Grantee: ViitoruI IDSI Project manager: Leonid LITRA Summary: The project aims at raising awareness and stimulating public debate on foreign policy issues, in the context of Moldova’s European integration agenda. Since mid-2010, the Moldova’s Foreign Policy Statewatch newsletter is published and distributed to all interested stakeholders. The newsletter encompasses policy briefs written by local experts dedicated to various pressing issues on the foreign policy of the country. The project will be finalized in July 2011. $8,626 (including $2,610 from 2010 budget and $6,016 from 2009 budget)

Optional course “Education for European Integration” – Experimental Program for High School Teachers and Students Grantee: PRO DIDACTICA Educational Center Project manager: Liliana NICOLAESCU-ONOFREI On the grantee’s request, the grant budget ($ 109,662) awarded in 2008 was supplemented with $ 189.

Operational Projects:

Translating and Publishing Books on EU Studies

This project aims to address the lack of comprehensive information on the EU in Moldova and to increase students’, researchers’ and the general public’s knowledge in the field of the EU. To this end, four publishing houses were selected to translate and publish 12 books on various EU related topics, as follows:

- EU Enlargement and the Environment: Institutional Change and Environmental Policy in Central and Eastern Europe, Joann Carmin & Stacy D. Vandeveer (500 copies) - The Area of Freedom, Security and Justice in the Enlarged Europe, Karen Henderson (ed.) (500 copies) - The Economics of European Integration: Theory, Practice, Policy, Willem Molle (1000 copies) - The Shape of the New Europe, Ralf Ragowski & Charles Turner (1000 copies) - Politics in the European Union, Ian Bache & Stephen George (1000 copies) - Agricultural Policy in Europe, Alan Greer (500 copies) - The Future of Europe: Reform or Decline, Alberto Alesina & Francesco Giavazzi (100 copies) - Member States and the European Union, Bulmer & C. Lequesne (1000 copies)

- The EU's Transformative Power: Europeanization through Conditionality in Central and Eastern Europe, Heather Grabbe (500 copies) - Economics of Monetary Union, Paul De Grauwe (500 copies) - Origins and Evolution of the European Union, Desmond Dinan (1000 copies) - Democracy in Europe: The EU and National Polities, Vivien A. Schmidt (500 copies)

The first 10 books mentioned above had been translated and published by 2010 and one book (Origins and Evolution of the European Union, Desmond Dinan) was translated and published in 2010. The translation and printing of the last 12-th book is envisioned for the first half of 2011. The books are distributed to all public libraries from the country, to public and academic institutions, as well as to NGOs that operate in this field. $14,876

Mixed Projects:

Maintaining the www.europa.md Information Portal Project Coordinator: Denis CENUŞA The www.europa.md website was created in 2006. It is the only online information resource in the country which offers news, analyses, articles and interviews exclusively on the EU, Moldova’s integration process and Moldova-EU relations. In 2010 the website underwent major design and content improvements with a view to strictly limiting it to the EU, EU-Moldova and European integration topics. The EIP intensified its efforts to promote the webpage online and increase its visibility. A photo contest was organized within this project dedicated to Europe’s Day celebrated on May 9; the winners received awards as mentioned below.

I prize, III prize: Maria DAMIAN

$80 I prize: Mircea BRENICI $50 I prize, III prize: Dinu GUŢU $80 II prize: Irina TEUT $40 II prize, III prize: Tatiana BEŞLIU $70 II prize: Anna BALABAN $40 III prize: Natalia DONOS $30 III prize: Vitalie ŞOVA $30 Total project expenditures: $23,317

Strengthening Inter-academic Relations between Moldova and Romania The project aimed at fostering the transfer of knowledge and experience between the academia representatives from Moldova and Romania and stimulating public debate on European issues important to the public at large. A public lecture by the Romanian professor and researcher, Gheorghe Iordan BĂRBULESCU, with the title “The Lisbon Treaty and Its Impact on the Decision-

19 making Process in the EU” was held at the Department of International Relations, Political and Administrative Studies of the SUM and the European Information Center for a total of over 80 beneficiaries. The project also presented a good opportunity for discussing further projects on strengthening inter-academic relations between the two countries. $1,521

Study Visit to Romanian Universities The project aimed at increasing the quality of the European Studies at university level, thus fostering education of knowledgeable and skillful professionals, as well as at encouraging communication and collaboration between Moldovan and Romanian universities. The EIP organized a study visit of 15 faculty members teaching European Studies to six Romanian universities. As a result, 15 faculty members from nine Moldovan universities improved their knowledge and skills in teaching European related studies and will apply these skills in their daily teaching activity. Operating budget: $10,237

Total Subprogram 1 expenditures: $87,366

SUBPROGRAM 2: MONITORING THE EU-MOLDOVA RELATIONS

Objectives:

- to support the government’s European integration efforts - to increase public debate and knowledge about the EU and EU-Moldova relations progress within the Eastern Partnership dimension - to stimulate think-tanks to develop intellectual products necessary for policy development in the field of European integration - Grants:

EU – Moldova Relations: Monitoring the Progress within the Eastern Partnership Framework Grantee: ADEPT Association for Participatory Democracy, Expert-Grup Independent Analytical Think- tank Project managers: Igor BOŢAN, Valeriu PROHNIŢCHI Summary: This project aims to enhance public debate with regard to Moldova’s European integration policies and to contribute to improving public policies associated with the national European integration agenda. In 2010, for the first time, a summary annual report analyzing Moldova’s progress towards the European integration was developed and presented to the European Commission as an alternative independent viewpoint of the civil society to feed into the EC’s 2010 Country Progress Report. New grants were awarded at the end of 2010 for monitoring activities to be carried out during 2011. The project implementation team will issue quarterly monitoring reports on RM-EU relations progress under the title “Euromonitor”, as well as a semi-annual magazine “Government and Democracy: European Prospects” and several public policy studies in relevant sectors. An annual summary progress report will be submitted to the European Commission in December to feed into its annual progress report.

Grant to ADEPT: $52,269; Addition to ADEPT 2009 grant: $7,400 Project Director: Igor BOŢAN

Grant to Expert – Grup: $30,117 Project Director: Valeriu PROHNIŢCHI

Total Project budget $89,786 (including $86,242 from 2010 budget and $3,544 from 2009 budget)

Operating projects:

Evaluation of the project “EU-Moldova Relations: Monitoring the Progress within the Eastern Partnership Framework” and Its Previous Stages

With a view to evaluating the EIP’s multiannual project on monitoring RM-EU relations, in 2009 the Program commissioned an independent expert, Iulian RUSU, on an open competition basis. The evaluation report highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the project and its recommendations were taken into consideration when drafting and approving a new annual project proposal for 2011 “EU-Moldova Relations: Monitoring the Progress within the Eastern Partnership Framework”, with a view to increasing the project’s impact. $2,026

In-depth Studies on the EU Related Topics

The project aims at providing expert analysis and policy recommendations on the topics relevant for enhancing Moldova’s European integration agenda thus contributing to designing coherent policies in related fields. During the first half of 2010, three studies initiated by the EIP were issued and presented to all interested stakeholders. They are currently used to foster public debates on the following topics: - „Moldova’s Energy Security in the Context of Adhering to the Energy Community”; - „The Impact of the Future Moldova’s Free Trade Agreement with the EU on the Agri-food Sector from Moldova; - “The Prospects for Reforming the Air Transport Services in the Context of Negotiating the Future Free Trade Agreement between Moldova and EU”.

The other five studies on the topics relevant in the context of negotiating the future Moldova-EU agreement were initiated during the second half of 2010 and will be finalized in 2011, as follows: insurance market; financial market; telecommunication services; cooperation within the Common Security and Defense Policy; protection of personal data in the context of the visa liberalization dialogue. $41,170

Total Subprogram 2 expenditures: $132,982

Program administration expenditures: $21,888 Total European Initiatives 2010 Program expenditures: $230,242 2009 budget expenditures: $11, 994

PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

The Public Health Program’s mission is to advance the health and human rights of marginalized people through building the capacity of civil society leaders and an active involvement of NGOs in health policy development.

Program goals: - to support the development and implementation of health related policies committed to inclusion and human rights in identified specific fields; - to build sustainable organizations and strengthen civil society leadership.

During 2010, the Public Health Program (PHP) of the Soros Foundation-Moldova (SFM) continued to work as a facilitator of nongovernmental and governmental organizations by coordinating activities aimed at preventing the spread of HIV infection among the vulnerable groups. This program is based on the harm reduction strategy and on the strategy in support of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Financial support for these activities is drawn from the grants received from the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, the main recipient of these funds being the Ministry of Health’s Project Coordination and Implementation Unit and the Center for Health Policies and Studies, while the Soros Foundation-Moldova is a sub-recipient of these two entities.

In 2010, due to a fruitful collaboration of the Hospice and Palliative Care Society with the Ministry of Health, significant achievements were registered in the area of palliative care services development in the Republic of Moldova, including a higher number of palliative care services providers; a higher number of palliative care services providers contracted by the National Health Insurance Company; the university curricula in Palliative Care was developed and approved as an optional subject for the students of the Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy; the Standards of Palliative Care and the number of staff necessary for palliative care in inpatient facilities were approved by the Ministry of Health. After a three-year joint effort of the Hospice and Palliative Care Society, the National Pharmacists Association and the Ministry of Health, the amendments to the Law on the circulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and precursors were approved.

As a result of the technical assistance offered to the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family by the Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association, a SFM grantee, the legal framework on creating social assistance services designed for people with disabilities was developed. By the end of 2010, the Strategy on Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities and the Regulations and Standards for such social services as “Community Home” and “Protected Living” were approved. Some other legal documents including the draft law on social inclusion of people with disabilities, draft regulations and quality standards for such social services as “Personal Assistant”, “Family Placement for Adults with Mental Disabilities” “Mobile Team”, and the regulation for schools with inclusive practices are under review.

At the initiative of the Woman and Child – Protection and Support NGO, a SFM grantee, a working group was created in order to develop the normative framework for inclusive education. Representatives of the Ministry of Education, the Secretary of the Council for Child’s Rights Protection, the Institute of Educational Sciences and non-governmental organizations were involved in this process. As a result, a ministry order was issued on the school inclusion of children with disabilities aimed at ensuring the necessary conditions for the inclusion process.

The Neonatal Follow-up Service of Diagnosis and Supervision was extended to cover other two raions of the country.

Due to a partnership between the Union of Organizations Operating in the Field of Harm Reduction, the Republican Narcology Dispenser and the Center for Health Policies and Studies, the national standards on harm reduction and psycho-social assistance of drug users were developed and approved by the Ministry of Health.

A pilot project based on the harm reduction strategy started to be implemented in the Pretrial Detention Center.

Program Director: Liliana GHERMAN, Email: [email protected] Program Coordinator: Victoria CONDRAT, Email: [email protected] Program Assistant: Ana GONCEAR, Email: [email protected]

Harm Reduction Subprogram Program Coordinator: Vitalie SLOBOZIAN, Email: [email protected] Finance and Procurement Specialist: Ala COJOCARI, Email: [email protected] Project Director: Angelica BORDEIANU, Email: [email protected] Project Coordinator: Andrei MATEI, Email: [email protected] Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist: Veronica ZORILA, Email: [email protected] Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist: Ina TCACI, Email: [email protected] Information Materials and Training Specialist: Natalia NICULA, Email: [email protected] Finance and Procurement Assistant: Irina BEJENARU: Email: [email protected]

List of Acronyms:

FSW Female Sex Workers GFATM Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria IDUs Injecting Drug Users HMI Health and Media Initiative HRP Harm Reduction Program LAHI Law and Health Initiative LGBT Lesbians, Gay, Bisexuals and Transgender Community MDR Multidrug Resistant MHI Mental Health Initiative MoH Ministry of Health MSM Men Having Sex with Men NGO Nongovernmental Organization PCI Palliative Care Initiative PCU Project Coordination, Implementation and Monitoring Unit, Moldova Health Sector Project PHP Public Health Program PLHIV People Living with HIV SFM Soros Foundation-Moldova STIs Sexual Transmitted Infections TB Tuberculosis UNAIDS Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS WHO World Health Organization

SUBPROGRAM 1: MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE (In collaboration with the Mental Health Initiative, OSI-Budapest)

The Mental Health Initiatives (MHI) subprogram seeks to ensure that people with mental disabilities (mental health problems and/or intellectual disabilities) are able to live as equal citizens in the community and to participate in society with full respect for their human rights. The Mental Health Initiatives Program promotes social inclusion of people with mental disabilities by supporting the development of community-based alternatives to institutionalization and by actively engaging in policy based advocacy.

The following activities and projects were financed within this subprogram:

Grants

Inclusive Community - Moldova Grantee: Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association Project manager: Ludmila MALCOCI Summary: The project supports activities aimed to promote social inclusion of people with mental and/or intellectual disabilities. This involves both the promotion and development of the legal framework and creating the conditions for integration of these people into society. To this end, 180 children and young people were deinstitutionalized or prevented from institutionalization, including 29 children and young people with the support of the project on deinstitutionalization of children from the boarding school for children with mental disabilities from Orhei; 18 children and young people in the process of being deinstitutionalized, and 133 children at risk of institutionalization. $28,000 MHI/OSI Budapest offered $897,173 for the implementation of the project in 2010.

Strengthening the Ongoing Surveillance of the Newborns from the Risk Group in the Republic of Moldova Grantee: Association of Perinatal Medicine from the Republic of Moldova Project manager: Petru STRATULAT Summary: The project aims at improving the situation of children with severe disabilities through early intervention programs in preterm infants with birth weight less than 1500gr, newborns with neurological disorders, retinopathy, or hearing pathology, broncho-pulmonary dysplasia, and infants undergoing mechanical ventilation, by strengthening and expanding the Neonatal Diagnosis and Surveillance Service and by promoting the concept of early intervention. The implementation team will also help develop and promote early intervention, rehabilitation and medical and social rehabilitation of children from risk groups and educate parents of children from risk groups. $47,300

Inclusive Education Grantee: Femeia şi Copilul – Protecţie şi Sprijin (Woman and Child – Protection and Support) Public Association Project manager: Alexandra GRĂJDIAN Summary: The project aims to develop institutions with inclusive practices in two districts - Dubăsari and Criuleni-by strengthening specialized services in schools and preschools, increasing the professionalism of teachers and supporting professionals, fostering parents' motivation and active involvement of local governments in developing inclusive policies and their implementation. The project team developed specialized services in two schools and two kindergartens in the villages of Doroţcaia and Măşcăuţi; supported the development of inclusive policies and promoted their implementation both locally and at central level; provided support in the training of teachers, family, community actors and created opportunities for their involvement in the process of inclusion; raised awareness about inclusion in these two districts and disseminated the experience gained in schools and kindergartens with inclusive practices in other educational institutions; contributed to forming informed opinions about inclusion at both local and national levels. $83,730

Increasing the Capacities of Four Regional Teams from the Center of Moldova in Early Intervention Grantee: Voinicel Center of Early Intervention Project manager: Ivan PUIU Summary: The project aims to improve the professional capacities of a group of specialists who work with children with disabilities older than three years in four centers; will increase the knowledge of physicians and other healthcare professionals in the field of pediatric primary development and early intervention; the physical and intellectual abilities of about 50-60 children in four target areas and the quality of life of parents and family members who take care of a child with disability will be improved. $31,699

Integration of Early Intervention in the Social and Medical Systems of the Country Grantee: Voinicel Center of Early Intervention Project manager: Ivan PUIU Summary: The project aims to support policy and legislative framework development for the integration of early intervention into the health system in Moldova, as well as to provide support to local authorities in strengthening monitoring and evaluation of children with disabilities. This involves assistance in developing the legislative framework and strengthening the nine centers that provide early intervention services for children with disabilities. $10,979

Inclusive Education - Equal Chances for Children with Special Educational Needs Grantee: Femeia şi Copilul – Protecţie şi Sprijin (Woman and Child – Protection and Support) Public Association Project manager: Alexandra GRĂJDIAN Summary: The project goal is to consolidate the achievements registered in the field of inclusive education in the two districts, Criuleni and Dubăsari, through institutional development of pilot inclusive schools and assistance of children with disabilities in both districts. The grantee disseminated the lessons learned in inclusive practices in other schools and provided family support in protecting the rights of disabled children. Funded from 2009 budget

Operational projects

Development of Studies on Alternative Services for Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities (“Personal Assistant” and “Community Home”) Summary: Each study includes analysis of international practices and regulations concerning the provision of community services for people with disabilities, the scientific concept of service and its cost-benefit, analysis of the relevant legislation of the Republic of Moldova, highlighting potential regulatory issues and proposing new service solutions to overcome them. $3,352

Other expenditures (program operational/ administration costs) – $10,294 Total Subprogram 1 expenditures – $215,354

SUBPROGRAM 2: PALLIATIVE CARE INITIATIVE (In collaboration with the Open Society Institute, New York)

The purpose of the Palliative Care Initiative (PCI) is to develop and integrate palliative care services in the health system of the Republic of Moldova. One of the program’s aims is to increase access to medication for pain control. The following projects and activities were funded in 2010:

Grants

Development of Palliative Care Services in Ocniţa and Cimişlia Beneficiary: Angelus Moldova Medical-Social Foundation Project manager: Valerian ISAC Summary: The project aims to initiate and develop two palliative care services in Ocniţa and Cimişlia in partnership with Family Doctors Centers and Local Public Authorities (district councils). The multidisciplinary team provided theoretical and practical courses in palliative care for two new teams (each team is formed of 1 doctor and 2 nurses).The new teams offered palliative care services to incurable patients with cancer in advanced and terminal stages of the disease in Cimişlia and Ocniţa. Patients with terminal and advanced cancer from over 60 localities benefited from palliative care services. During the three months of project implementation in 2010, 38 patients with incurable diseases were served in the district of Cimişlia and 24 - in Ocniţa. Monitoring visits are made monthly aimed at identifying possible problems in offering palliative care services. Both district teams took concrete steps in securing funding from the National Health Insurance Company. The team is raising public awareness about the need for further development of palliative care in the country. $34,592

Palliative Care Support for the Inpatients from the Zubreşti Hospice Grantee: Zubreşti Prosperity Public Association Project manager: Vasile SURUCEANU Summary: The project aims to co-finance services in palliative care bed unit in the Zubreşti Hospice. The Zubreşti Prosperity Association is the first organization that offers palliative care services for inpatients with incurable diseases in advanced and terminal stages. In 2010 the Association was contracted by the National Health Insurance Company to offer palliative care services. $8,634

Support for Palliative Care Services in Chişinău Grantee: Angelus Moldova Medical-Social Foundation Project manager: Valerian ISAC Summary: The project is co-financing palliative care services offered to adults and children in the municipality of Chişinău by the Angelus Moldova Medical-Social Foundation. In 2010 the organization provided palliative care at home to 585 adults (of which 170 cancer patients in advanced and progressive stages) and 23 children. Most patients come from Chişinău and its suburbs, while children come from all over the country. The services were provided free of charge in ambulatory conditions or at patients' homes. Patients received counseling, nursing, social assistance, religious support on site or via telephone. $17,268

Participation in the XIII World Congress of Pain, August 29 - September 2, Montreal, Canada Grantee: Vadim POGONEŢ $2,053

Participation in the training course ,,Organizational Support for the Development of Palliative Care’’, Casa Speranţei Hospice, Braşov, Romania, March 26 Grantees: Maria CHIOSE, Elena CEAVDARI, Ecaterina VARVARICI $816

Participation in the training course ,,Symptom Management in Palliative Care’’, Casa Speranţei Hospice, Braşov, Romania, March 26 Grantees: Tatiana NOVOLOACĂ, Rodica MIRON $426

Participation in the training course ,,Organizational Support for the Development of Palliative Care’’, Casa Speranţei Hospice, Braşov, Romania, September 25 Grantees: Valerian ISAC, Vera CAIREAC $481

Operational projects

Workshop "Increasing Availability and Access to Opioid Medication for Pain Control", July 30 - 31 The workshop, attended by the representatives of the Ministry of Health, Municipal Department of Health, public health institutions, Medicines Agency, Drug Control Committee and palliative care service providers from Moldova, was organized on July 30-31. They reviewed the current legal framework and normative acts on access to opioids for medical use and developed recommendations for amending orders of the Ministry of Health and Medicines Agency related to Law # 382-XIV of 05.06.1999 on the circulation of drugs and psychotropic substances and precursors, amended in May 2010. $1,970

Development of the National Cancer Control Program for 2011- 2015 Summary: At the request of the Ministry of Health, the Soros Foundation - Moldova provided technical assistance in reviewing, adjusting and finalizing the National Cancer Control Program for 2011-2015 in accordance with the World Health Organization’s recommendations. The experts worked in collaboration with the Ministry of Health's main specialist in oncology and representatives of the departments of Public Health Policy, Policy Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation and Budget and Finance. The final document was submitted to the Ministry of Health for review and approval. $1,645

Other expenditures (program operational/administration costs) – $7,251 Total Subprogram 2 expenditures – $75,136

SUBPROGRAM 3: LAW AND HEALTH INITIATIVE (In collaboration with the Open Society Institute, New York)

The Law and Health Initiative (LAHI) promotes the use of legal remedies for improving public health by supporting collaboration of public health professionals, doctors, practitioners involved in the field of human rights.

The following activities and projects were financed within this subprogram:

Grants

Monitoring the Respect of Human Rights of Drug Users in the Republic of Moldova Grantee: Moldovan Institute for Human Rights Project manager: Vanu JEREGHI Summary: The project aims to protect and promote human rights among injecting drug users by providing legal assistance and support for injecting drug users and their families; increasing knowledge on human rights with emphasis on the rights of injecting drug users among the staff of the member organizations of the Union of Organizations Operating in the Field of Harm Reduction (UORN); analyzing national legislation on human rights; promoting human rights in the Transnistrian region; carrying out public awareness and information activities; etc. $34,850 (LAHI – $16,000, HRP – $14,400, HMI – $4,450)

Protection of the Rights of Persons with Mental Disabilities Grantee: Patients and Invalids' Rights Protection Center Project manager: Alexandru COVALSCHI Summary: The project goal is to promote and protect the rights of people with mental and intellectual disabilities in Moldova by documenting cases of violation of their rights; providing advice and forensic assistance to patients with mental health problems and/or their relatives; referring cases to other partner organizations where relevant. $15,141

Community for All – Moldova: Support for Legal Consultancy Grantee: Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association Summary: The project is financed jointly by the Soros Foundation-Moldova and OSI Law and Health Initiative. A consultant was hired to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in developing the legislative and regulatory framework for social inclusion of persons with disabilities. Due to the joint efforts and successful collaboration with the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family, significant results were obtained in this field: the Strategy on social inclusion of persons with disabilities and the Regulations and standards for such services as "Community Home" and "Protected Home" were approved; the draft regulations and service standards for such services as "Personal Assistant", "Foster Care for Adults with Mental Disabilities", "Mobile Team" as well as Guidelines for schools with inclusive practices were developed. $12,000

Promoting Human Rights in Health Grantee: Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy Project manager: Rodica GRAMMA Summary: The training module "Health and Human Rights" was developed. The module will be part of the Master’s Degree course curriculum in the School of Management in Public Health. $13,590

Participation in the Workshop "Teaching Health Law: Courses of Law, Human Rights and Public Health", Skopje, Macedonia, May 18-21 Grantees: Rodica GRAMMA, Tatiana NOVAC $2,134

Operational projects

Human Rights in Patient Care: A Practitioner’s Guide The project is implemented in several countries of the region. The work on developing guidelines for practitioners continued during 2010. The Guide is developed with the participation of a group of authors. It includes the following chapters: Introduction; International human rights framework in public health; Regional framework for human rights in public health; International and regional procedures; Specific national notes; Patient rights in the national context; Rights and responsibilities of service providers in the national context; National procedures; Annexes. Although the Guide is primarily addressed to lawyers, it will also be useful for public health specialists, doctors, and activists protecting patients' rights. The project is operational and is implemented in collaboration with the Public Health Program, Law and Health Initiative Program of the Open Society Institute and Human Rights and Good Governance Program of the Open Society Institute, Budapest. $8,113

Evaluation of the Capacity Development Needs of the Moldovan Institute for Human Rights The project aimed to assess the organizational capacity development needs of the Moldovan Institute for Human Rights. This study included a detailed self-identification of problems related to organizational performance based on the evaluation results; a development plan was drafted. The evaluation was conducted by the International Consulting Ltd. $19,784 (LAHI– $15,088, HRP - $4,696)

Other expenditures (program operational/administration costs) – $8,782 Total Subprogram 3 expenditures – $82,735

SUBPROGRAM 4: HEALTH AND MEDIA INITIATIVE

The Media and Health Initiative (HMI) subprogram aims to increase public awareness about health issues by facilitating the interaction between media and public health NGOs.

The following projects and activities were financed within this subprogram:

Grants

Raising Public Awareness on the Situation of Injecting Drug Users in the Republic of Moldova Grantee: Union of Organizations Operating in the Field of Harm Reduction Project manager: Ala IAŢCO Summary: The project aims to change public perception about injecting drug users in Moldova, to contribute to changing discriminatory attitudes and reducing the phenomenon of social exclusion and marginalization. The project intends to develop a series of short documentaries with specific topics that will be broadcast on Publika TV channel. Also, talk-shows will be held with key stakeholders in the field to discuss the most pressing issues concerning the situation of injecting drug users in Moldova. $1,800

Raising Public Awareness about Palliative Care in the Republic of Moldova Grantee: Angelus Moldova Medical-Social Foundation Project manager: Valerian ISAC Summary: The project aims to promote the principles and values of palliative care in Moldova. The project is to develop a series of short documentaries with specific topics that will be broadcast on Publika TV channel. At the same TV channel, talk-shows will be held with experts in the palliative care field, representatives of the Ministry of Health, other key stakeholders to discuss issues related to palliative care services, their need and importance for the population of the Republic of Moldova. Also, short films will be distributed through all possible channels using social media sources. $1,950

Development of Video Spots on Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities Grantee: Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association Project manager: Nicolae CIOCAN Summary: The project aims to increase the acceptance of people with disabilities and raise awareness regarding their rights. The project is to develop a series of short films with specific topics that will be broadcast on Publika TV channel. Also, talk-shows will be held with the participation of relevant persons involved in the mental health area and service providers aimed to discuss the possibilities of integration of this category of persons into the society. $1,800

Monitoring the Respect of Human Rights of Drug Users in the Republic of Moldova Grantee: Moldovan Institute for Human Rights Project manager: Vanu JEREGHI Summary: The project aims to protect and promote human rights among injecting drug users by providing legal assistance and support for injecting drug users and their families; to increase knowledge about human rights with emphasis on the rights of injecting drug users among the staff of the member organizations of the Union of Organizations Operating in the Field of Harm Reduction (UORN); to analyze national legislation on human rights; to promote human rights in the Transnistrian region; to organize public awareness and information activities. $34,850 (LAHI – $16,000, HRP – $14,400, HMI – $4,450)

Operational projects

Training "Media Advocacy Skills in Public Health", December 15-17 Summary: The Public Health Program, in collaboration with the Media and Health Initiative of the Open Society Institute, New York, organized a training course to improve skills in using the media in the public health area. The training was attended by 16 representatives of PHP’s grantees implementing activities in the field of harm reduction, palliative care and mental health. The training course was conducted by the trainer, Anastasia Bezverkha, PhD in Communication Sciences, National University of Kiev, Health and Media consultant for OSI NY in Ukraine. Following the training, the SFM offered mini-grants aimed at facilitating the use of the skills acquired during the training course into practice. $3,431

Other expenditures (program operational/administration costs) – $569 Total Subprogram 4 expenditures – $14,000

SUBPROGRAM 5: HARM REDUCTION (In collaboration with the Open Society Institute, New York, and third party)

The purpose of the Harm Reduction Program is to reduce the health-linked, socially and economically determined adverse impact owing to intravenous drug use and unsafe sex, including prevention of HIV/AIDS epidemic among vulnerable groups: intravenous drug users (IDUs), female sex workers (FSWs), men having sex with men (MSM), prisoners, truck drivers, migrants, etc. As a partner facility of the Ministry of Health’s Project Coordination and Implementation Unit since Round One Grant of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Soros Foundation-Moldova is playing the role of an NGO facilitator in implementing HIV/AIDS and STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) control among vulnerable groups, as well as care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The program draws on the financial support from the Global Fund.

At present, the program administrates three projects in its sub-recipient capacity: - „Providing Community Outreach to Vulnerable Groups” , the main recipient being the Project Coordination, Implementation and Monitoring Unit, Moldova Health Sector Project, financial resources of Round 6, Phase II. - „Providing Care and Support for PLWHA”, the main recipient being the PAS Center, financial resources of Round 8, Phase II. - ’’Strengthening the Patient and Community Role in Tuberculosis Control in Moldova’’, the main recipient being the PAS Center, financial resources of Round 9, Phase I.

In accordance with these projects, the program continued to support initiatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations based on the harm reduction strategy, aimed at offering assistance to PLWHA and people with tuberculosis. Other types of activities carried out in the framework of these projects include organization of capacity building training courses for project staff, development of policies in the harm reduction area, publishing of informational materials for distribution, participation in conferences, seminars and workshops for project staff and other stakeholders.

Grants:

Monitoring the Respect of Human Rights of Drug Users in the Republic of Moldova Grantee: Moldovan Institute for Human Rights Project manager: Vanu JEREGHI Summary: The project aims to protect and promote human rights among injecting drug users by providing legal assistance and support to injecting drug users and their families; increasing knowledge on human rights with emphasis on the rights of injecting drug users among the staff of the member organizations of the Union of Organizations Operating in the Field of Harm Reduction (UORN); analyzing national legislation on human rights; promoting human rights in the Transnistrian region; conducting public awareness and information activities. $34,850 (LAHI – $16,000, HRP – $14,400, HMI – $4,450)

Evaluation of the Capacity Development Needs of the Moldovan Institute for Human Rights The project aimed to assess the organizational capacity development needs of the Moldovan Institute for Human Rights. This study included a detailed self-identification of problems related to organizational performance. A development plan was drafted based on the evaluation results. The evaluation was conducted by the International Consulting Ltd. $19,784 (LAHI– $15,088, HRP - $4,696)

Grants Offered to NGOs/GOs for HIV/STI Prevention Services among People from High Risk Groups

Ensuring the Sustainability of Harm Reduction Programs by Seeking Funding from National Budgetary Resources Grantee: Union of Organizations Operating in the Field of Harm Reduction Project manager: Ala IAŢCO Summary: The project aims to develop the regulation on harm reduction services and training modules; to organize workshops for service providers involved in harm reduction projects; to design and maintain the harm reduction component within the www.aids.md site. $27,030

Increasing Access to HIV Prevention Activities among IDU Detainees from Transnistria (grant addition) Grantee: Carlux Public Association, Chişinău Project manager: Vitalie MOROŞAN Summary: The goal of the project is to ensure access to HIV prevention for the IDUs from Transnistrian penitentiaries. The project services include needle exchange, distribution of condoms, antiseptics and informational materials in three penitentiaries from the Transnistrian region. $4,000

Publishing Harm Reduction Standards Grantee: Republican Narcology Dispenser Project manager: Mihai OPREA Summary: The grant was offered for the publishing of two national standards: Standards for Psychological and Social Assistance for Drug Users and Standards for Harm Reduction for Drug Users, each document being published in 200 copies. Financed from 2009 budget

HIV/AIDS Prevention among IDUs in Orhei and Rezina Grantee: Adolescentul (Teenager) Youth Education and Rehabilitation Center, Orhei Project manager: Svetlana ROMANOVA Summary: The organization implements activities in partnership with Viitorul Nostru (Our Future) NGO, Rezina. The services offered by the project aim at reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS among IDUs from Orhei, Rezina and Şoldăneşti. The total number of beneficiaries reached 636 IDUs by the end of 2010. The project services are focused on rendering needle exchange, distribution of condoms, antiseptics and informational materials, and promoting lower-risk behaviors and health education. The project supports specialized consultations and counseling sessions, as well as psychological and social reintegration of the above-mentioned target groups. $26,800

Prevention of HIV/AIDS among IDUs within the Framework of the Harm Reduction Program Grantee: Pentru Prezent şi Viitor (For Present and Future) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Nina TUDOREANU Summary: The organization implements the project in partnership with the National Applied and Research Center for Public Health, AIDS Center and Cu Gîndul la Viitor (Thinking of Future) NGO, Căuşeni. The project aims at reducing the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemics and STIs among IDUs. 2919 IDUs benefited from needle exchange services, as well as from condoms, antiseptics, informational materials, counseling services and social inclusion activities. $51,640

Fighting HIV/AIDS in Penitentiaries. Continuation of Activities Based on the Harm Reduction Strategy. Extension of the Project to Penitentiary # 1 from Taraclia Grantee: Proiecte Inovatoare în Penitenciare (Innovative Projects in Penitentiaries) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Larisa PINTILEI Summary: The project aims at covering inmates from the entire penitentiary system with HIV/AIDS and STI prevention activities. During 2010, the HIV/AIDS and STI prevention activities were extended to Penitentiary # 1 from Taraclia. The project services are focused on needle exchange in 9 penitentiaries, as well as on distribution of condoms, antiseptics and informational materials to detainees from the entire penitentiary system. $40,950

Fighting HIV/AIDS in Penitentiaries. Implementation of a Pilot Project Based on the Harm Reduction Strategy in Penitentiary # 11 from Bălţi Grantee: Proiecte Inovatoare în Penitenciare (Innovative Projects in Penitentiaries) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Larisa PINTILEI Summary: The project aims at extending the HIV/AIDS and STI prevention activities into penitentiary # 11 from Bălţi, based on the Harm Reduction Strategy. $7,100

HIV/AIDS/STIs Prevention among IDUs in Bălţi, Ungheni, Făleşti and Glodeni Grantee: Tinerii pentru Dreptul la Viaţă (Youth for the Right to Life) NGO, Bălţi branch Project manager: Ala IAŢCO Summary: The organization implements activities in partnership with Vis Vitalis NGO, Ungheni, and Împreună să Salvăm Viitorul (Saving the Future Together) NGO, Făleşti, covering Bălţi, Ungheni, Fălesti, Glodeni regions. The main objective of the project is to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS and STI prevalence among IDUs in the municipality of Bălţi -about 3949 IDUs, Ungheni – 604 IDUs, Făleşti and Glodeni – 579 IDUs, by promoting and strengthening activities based on the harm reduction strategy, including needle exchange, distribution of condoms, antiseptics and informational materials, specialized consultancy and counseling sessions. $52,325

HIV/AIDS Prevention Based on the Harm Reduction Strategy among IDUs in the Northern Region of RM Grantee: Tinerele femei-Cernoleuca (Young Women-Cernoleuca) NGO, Donduşeni Project manager: Tatiana COJOCARU Summary: The organization implements activities in partnership with Alcoolismul şi Narcomanie (Drug and Alcohol Addiction) NGO, Soroca, covering Donduşeni, Tîrnova, Otaci, Ocniţa, Edineţ, Rîşcani, Briceni, Soroca, Drochia and Floreşti regions. The project aims at lowering the risks associated with intravenous drug use via needle exchange, information materials, condoms and antiseptics distribution, STI prevention, including HIV/AIDS prevention and by carrying out other harm reduction activities. $24,840

HIV/AIDS Prevention in Tiraspol Grantee: Zdorovoe Buduschee (Healthy Future) NGO, Tiraspol Project manager: Natalia HINEVA Summary: The organization implements activities in partnership with NOUIN NGO, Tiraspol. The project aims to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS among 836 IDUs in Tiraspol and Slobozia by carrying out and strengthening activities based on the Harm Reduction Strategy including needle exchange, distribution of condoms, antiseptics and informational materials, self-support groups, specialized consultancy and counseling sessions. $18,690

HIV/AIDS and SITs Prevention among FSWs in Orhei Grantee: Adolescentul (Teenager) Youth Education and Rehabilitation Center, Orhei Project manager: Svetlana ROMANOVA Summary: The project aims at reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS and STIs among female sex workers (226 beneficiaries, 14 of them being IDUs) through social reintegration activities. The services provided by the project include consultations, counseling and information sessions, needle exchange and distribution of condoms. $9,995

HIV/AIDS and STIs Prevention among FSWs from Bălţi within the Framework of the Harm Reduction Strategy Grantee: Tinerii pentru Dreptul la Viaţă (Youth for the Right to Life) NGO, Bălţi branch Project manager: Aliona CIOBANU Summary: The organization implements activities in partnership with Vis Vitalis NGO, Ungheni. The project aims at reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS and STI among 372 FSWs from Bălţi municipality and Ungheni. The project activities are based on specialized consultancy and counseling, needle exchange, distribution of condoms, antiseptics and informational materials, alongside social reintegration activities. $22,500

Prevention of HIV/AIDS and STIs among FSWs in Chişinău Grantee: Reforme Medicale (Medical Reforms) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Alexei LEORDA Summary: The services provided by the project aim at reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS among FSWs (566 beneficiaries, including 69 IDUs). The project services are focused on rendering needle exchange, distribution of condoms, antiseptics and informational materials and promoting lower-risk

35 behaviors and health education. The project organizes specialized consultations and counseling sessions and offers psychological and social reintegration services to the target group. $26,224

Substitution Therapy for Injecting Drug Users Grantee: Republican Narcology Dispenser Project manager: Mihai OPREA Summary: The project aims at mitigating the negative medical and social consequences of drug use among IDUs from Chişinău by employing the substitution therapy with methadone. At the end of the 2010, the number of permanent beneficiaries reached 233. $24,770

Substitution Treatment with Methadone in Penitentiary Institutions Grantee: Department of Penitentiary Institutions, Ministry of Justice Project manager: Vadim COJOCARU Summary: The project employs the substitution therapy with methadone for opiate drug users from penitentiaries. This treatment is used in Pruncul, Brăneşti, Cricova, Soroca, Rusca, Bălţi and Chişinău penitentiaries. At the end of 2010, the number of permanent beneficiaries reached 49. $19,080

Substitution Therapy with Methadone for IDUs from Bălţi Grantee: Municipal Clinic Hospital from Bălţi Project manager: Eduard NENESCU Summary: The project aims at mitigating the negative medical and social consequences of drug use among IDUs from Bălţi by offering them the substitution therapy with methadone. The number of permanent beneficiaries reached 70 by the end of the 2010. $9,970

Increased Access of IDUs to Rehabilitation Services and Psychological Assistance within the Rehabilitation Center Grantee: Republican Narcology Dispenser Project manager: Mihai OPREA Summary: The objectives of the project are to reduce and improve the behavioral, intellectual and emotional disorders, due to the abuse of psycho-active substances; to increase the professional level of staff directly involved in social rehabilitation within the Rehabilitation Center; to develop and approve the guide: “Psychological and Social Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts”; to design and implement an e-form register (database) of beneficiaries. Financed from 2009 budget

The LGBT Community Chooses Safety Grantee: GENDERDOC-M Information Center NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Olesea BUCŞANU Summary: The project aims at reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS epidemics and STI among the LGBT community in Moldova, focusing on MSM. The project also advocates for safer sex for men having sex with other men. The project services are focused on rendering lubricants, condoms, hygienic gloves and informational materials. The project covered 884 beneficiaries. $8,962

HIV/AIDS Prevention among Migrants Grantee: Societate, Om, Sănătate, Viitor (Society, Person, Health, Future) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Silvia STRATULAT Summary: The project aims at providing HIV/AIDS and STI informational, educational and communication activities among migrants traveling through the Leuşeni, Sculeni, Cahul and Giurgiuleşti customs checkpoints, as well as migrants traveling to CIS countries, through the Northern Railway Terminal and Chişinău Airport. $17,997

HIV/AIDS/STI Prevention among Truck Drivers in Chişinău and Bălţi Grantee: Reforme Medicale (Medical Reforms) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Alexei LEORDA Summary: The organization implements activities in partnership with Tinerii pentru Dreptul la Viaţă (Youth for the Right to Life) NGO, Bălţi branch. The services offered by the project aim at reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS and STIs among truck drivers in Chişinău and Bălţi (9397 persons from Chişinău, and respectively, 368 persons from Bălţi), including distribution of condoms and informational materials. $18,000

Grants aimed to ensure outreach to PLHIV and family members by NGOs

Support to People Living with HIV/AIDS through the Multidisciplinary Team in the North of Moldova Grantee: Respiraţia a Doua pentru Oamenii în Etate şi Inactivi din Bălţi (Second Breath for the Elderly and Inactive People) NGO, Bălţi Project manager: Irina BAICALOV Summary: The project aims to increase the quality of life of PLHIV and support their integration into the society through access to social support services through multidisciplinary teams. During 2010, the NGO provided care and support services to 755 PLHIV beneficiaries and 237 PLHIV relatives. The organization conducted such activities and services as complementary services for PLHIV, self- support group including children and relatives, referral services for PLHIV, social workers’ exchange visits, and information seminars in the districts and in the main office in Bălţi. €74,574

Support and Care for PLHIV from the Central Region Grantee: Centrul Regional pentru Politici Comunitare (Regional Center for Community Policies) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Rodica IVTODI Summary: The project pursues the goal of improving the quality of life of PLHIV in Moldova through increased access to qualitative psycho-social services. 124 PLHIV beneficiaries and 56 relatives were offered care and support services in 2010. The NGO provides such services as: medical and social assistance, ARV adherence counseling, referral services and peer to peer consultancy. €20,652

Increased Access to Support and Care Services for PLHIV Grantee: Credinţa (Faith) NGO in partnership with Copilărie pentru toţi (A Childhood for Everybody) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Ludmila UNTURA Summary: The project aims at improving the quality of life of PLHIV from Moldova through increased access to qualitative psycho-social services. 1261 PLHIV and 102 relatives were reached with care and support services. The NGO provides such services as: medical and social assistance, palliative care, referral services, peer to peer consultancy, psychological support, self-support groups, ARV adherence counseling, activities for HIV infected children, and support for relatives, information seminars in Chişinău and in the districts. €59,962

Support and Care to PLHIV in Bălţi, Floreşti and Râşcani Districts Grantee: Credinţa-Nord (Faith-North) NGO, Bălţi Project manager: Mihail CARELOV Summary: The project aims at improving the quality of life and access to qualitative psycho-social services for PLHIV from Bălţi, Floreşti and Râşcani districts. In 2010 the NGO provided care and support services to 129 PLHIV beneficiaries and 84 relatives. The activities carried out in 2010 included medical and social assistance, referral services and peer to peer consultancy. €23,515

Increased Access of PLHIV to Care and Support Services Grantee: Credinţa-T (Faith-T) NGO, Tiraspol Project manager: Olga ILCHEVICI

Summary: The project pursues the goal of improving the quality of life of PLHIV from Tiraspol (partially), Dubăsari and Grigoriopol through increased access to qualitative psycho-social services. The organization provided such services as: medical and social assistance, self-support groups for PLHIV and referral to other available services. 104 beneficiaries and 15 relatives were reached with care and support services by the end of July 2010. €10,963

Support and Care for PLHIV from the Southern Region of Moldova Grantee: Biaz Gul NGO, Comrat Project manager: Alexandru ZAVRICICO Summary: The goal of the project is to enhance the quality of life of PLHIV through increased access to qualitative social support services in Comrat and other districts from the south of the country including Ceadir Lunga, Taraclia, Basarabeasca, and Cimişlia. 150 PLHIV beneficiaries and 382 relatives (549 consultations for relatives) were reached with care and support services. The NGO offered such services as: medical and social assistance, palliative care, referral services, ARV adherence counseling, peer to peer consultancy, psycho-social support, self-support groups, referral to the Community Center, psycho-social assistance to family members, ”Patient School”, information seminars, mobile groups, etc. €20,304

Access of PLHIV to Support and Care in the Trasnistrian Region Grantee: Belaia Roza NGO, Tiraspol Project manager: Petr OLIEVSCHI Summary: The project aims to improve the quality of life of PLHIV from Tiraspol, Râbniţa and penitentiaries from the region through an increased access to qualitative psycho-social services. 275 PLHIV beneficiaries and 76 relatives were reached with care and support services. The services provided to PLHIV included medical and social assistance, referral services and peer to peer consultancy. €18,773

Support and Care Services to PLHIV in Tiraspol and Slobozia Districts Grantee: Zdorovoe Buduschee NGO, Tiraspol Project manager: Roman SANDU Summary: The project aims to improve the quality of life of PLHIV from Moldova through increased access to qualitative psycho-social services. 494 PLHIV beneficiaries and 123 relatives were reached with care and support services. The organization offered the following services: medical and social assistance, palliative care, referral services, peer to peer consultancy, psychological support, support group for PLHIV relatives, “School for PLHIV”, self-support groups and support group for women, information seminars with the target group, referral and support to social assistance services and other relevant authorities. €26,993

Fii alături (Be Supportive) Grantee: Miloserdie NGO, Bender Project manager: Maria TURCAN Summary: The project aims at improving the quality of life of PLHIV from Bender and the suburbs through increased access to qualitative psycho-social services. 123 PLHIV beneficiaries and 44 relatives were covered with services during 2010. The range of activities implemented by the organization included medical and social assistance, palliative care, referral services, ARV adherence counseling, peer to peer consultancy and psycho-social support. €9,864

Psychological and Social Support and Care for PLHIV from the South of Moldova Grantee: Speranţa Vieţii (Hope of Life) NGO, Cahul Project manager: Nicolai COL Summary: The project aims to improve the quality of life of PLHIV from Moldova through increased access to qualitative psycho-social services. The geographical coverage of the project includes Cahul, Vulcăneşti, Leova and Cantemir districts. The services provided to PLHIV include medical and social assistance, referral services and peer to peer consultancy. During 2010 the organization covered with care and support services 58 PLHIV beneficiaries and 64 relatives. €10,330

Ensuring Universal Access of PLHIV to Psycho-social Support Grantee: Viaţa Nouă (New Life) NGO in partnership with the Mamele pentru Viaţă (Mothers for Life) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Ruslan POVERGA Summary: The project aims at improving the quality of life of PLHIV from Moldova through increased access to qualitative psycho-social services. It covers such areas as Chişinău, Anenii Noi, Ialoveni and Soroca including penitentiary institutions # 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, and 18. 244 PLHIV beneficiaries and 256 relatives (299 consultations for relatives) were reached with care and support services. The organization provided such services as: medical and social counseling, referral services, peer to peer consultancy, psycho-social support, self-support groups, and information seminars for the target group. Self-support groups were set up for PLHIV in penitentiaries. €54,865

Grants to NGOs meant to ensure proper operations of 4 regional centers

Regional Social Community Center to Provide Specialized Support to PLHIV Grantee: Respiraţia a Doua pentru Oamenii în Etate şi Inactivi din Bălţi (Second Breath for the Elderly and Inactive People) NGO, Bălţi Project manager: Irina BAICALOV Summary: The project strives to increase PLHIV’s access to specialized qualitative services in the municipality of Bălţi and other districts in the north of Moldova including Briceni, Donduşeni, Drochia, Floreşti, Ocniţa, Rîşcani, Sîngerei, Soroca, Făleşti, Şoldăneşti, Edineţ, Otaci, and Glodeni. The main goal of the project is to improve the quality of life of PLHIV and to ensure their integration into the society. The Center offered a wide range of services to PLHIV including medical consultancy, psychological support, kinetotherapy/physiotherapy, social counseling, peer to peer assistance, assistance with identity documents issuance and other documents, referral services, referral to public services provided by public institutions, etc. €23,793

Regional Social Community Center to Provide Specialized Support to PLHIV Grantee: Biaz Gul NGO, Comrat Project manager: Vladimir IANCEV Summary: The project aims at increasing access of PLHIV to specialized qualitative services in the south of Moldova. The project covers 9 regions including Comrat, Ceadîr-Lunga, Vulcăneşti, Taraclia, Basarabeasca, Cimişlia, Cantemir, Leova, and Cahul. The Regional Community Center provided care and support services to PLHIV, such as: peer to peer counseling, support groups, ”social club” activities, referral services, ART compliance, psychological support, etc. Other activities were focused on informing the public from the regions covered by the project about the services offered by the Center. €27,415

Regional Social Community Center to Provide Specialized Support to PLHIV Grantee: Zdorovoe Buduschee NGO from Tiraspol in partnership with Belaia Roza NGO from Tiraspol Project manager: Ludmila ANDROPOVA Summary: The project aims to increase the access of PLHIV to specialized qualitative services in the eastern part of Moldova and to improve the quality of life of PLHIV and ensure their integration into the society. The Center provided a full range of services to people infected/affected by HIV/AIDS including information services, initial assessment of beneficiaries, peer to peer counseling, psychological support, ARV adherence counseling, medical consultations, self-support groups, green line consultations, referral services, food parcels distribution to PLHIV, etc. €29,595

Regional Social Community Centre to Provide Specialized Support to PLHIV Grantee: Credinţa (Faith) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Ludmila UNTURA Summary: The project aims at increasing the access of PLHIV to specialized qualitative services and to improve the quality of life of PLHIV and ensure their integration into the society. The Center

39 provided a wide range of services to PLHIV including medical consultancy, psychological support, social counseling, peer to peer assistance, referral services, etc. €32,805

Grants to support PLHIV and children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS with food parcels and stationary supplies.

The goal of this project activity was to provide food parcels to PLHIV and HIV/AIDS infected/affected children in order to secure adequate nutrition, promote ARV treatment adherence and to sustain healthy levels of physical activity and a good quality of life.

Grantee: Respiraţia a Doua pentru Oamenii în Etate şi Inactivi din Bălţi (Second Breath for the Elderly and Inactive People) NGO, Bălţi Project manager: Irina BAICALOV Summary: A total number of 168 PLHIV and 44 children received food parcels in 2010 and other 23 received clothes and stationary supplies for school. €12,110

Grantee: Credinţa (Faith) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Ludmila UNTURA Summary: The NGO distributed food parcels to 305 PLHIV and 207 children infected/affected by HIV/AIDS; other 19 children received clothes and stationary supplies for school. €20,110

Grantee: Zdorovoe Buduschee NGO, Tiraspol Project manager: Ludmila ANDROPOVA Summary: The NGO distributed food parcels to 214 PLHIV and 69 children infected/affected by HIV/AIDS; other 14 children received clothes and stationary supplies for school. €11,990

Grantee: Biaz Gul NGO, Comrat Project manager: Vladimir IANCEV Summary: The NGO distributed food parcels to 68 PLHIV and 18 children infected/affected by HIV/AIDS; other 9 children received clothes and stationary supplies for school. €4,830

Other Grants

Strengthening the Health Care Service Providers’ Capacities in HIV/AIDS through E-learning Grantee: Master in Public Health Association in partnership with the School of Public Health Project manager: Oleg LOZAN Summary: The project goal is to strengthen the capacities of health care service providers in HIV/AIDS through e-learning. To this end, the NGO carried out several training courses for family doctors and managers from the public health system on September 13 - 16 (25 participants, family doctors), September 22-25 (25 participants, family doctors), September 22-25 (19 participants, managers from the public health system). The NGO developed 9 curricula in HIV/AIDS for the Medical University to be used for continuous training. They also designed an e-learning web-platform entitled “Task Management” for medical students, offering them the possibility to take virtual classes and access class material and presentations and undertake self-assessment. €173,603

Strengthening the National League of PLHIV Grantee: National League of PLHIV PA, Chişinău Project manager: Igor CHILCEVSCHI Summary: The main goal of the project was to strengthen the capacities of the National League of PLHIV from Moldova. In achieving this goal, the League carried out various activities including

40 seminars, round-tables, and workshops to name just a few: - “Documentation and Reporting”, held on December 6 -8, for a total number of 25 representatives of the League; - “Capacity Building of the Members of the League in Romanian”. 41 members of the League took Romanian language courses during 2010; - Bi-annual planning and reporting meeting of the National League of PLHIV, held on November 17- 19 in Chişinău. The meeting was attended by 44 persons.

During 2010, the National League of PLHIV printed out 5150 information materials to be used in their advocacy activity and at special events. €45,811

Grants for Events Organized on Special Occasions (World Aids Day, Candlelight)

Grantee: Tinerii pentru Dreptul la Viaţă (Youth for the Right to Life) NGO, Bălţi branch Project manager: Ala IATCO Summary: The goal of the campaign was to prevent unhealthy and risky life behavior, especially sexual behavior, by promoting a healthy life behavior among youngsters and to fight stigma and discrimination of PLHIV. €500

Grantee: Mamele pentru Viaţă (Mothers for Life) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Irina BELEVȚOVA Summary: The project aim was to inform and raise community awareness with regard to HIV/AIDS and to strengthen efforts in fighting HIV in the district of Ialoveni. €500

Grantee: Consult Nord NGO, Pelinia Project manager: Constantin BANDIU Summary: The project main goal was to educate teenagers on taking responsibility for their own health, being informed about the consequences of unhealthy behavior and the ways to reduce risks. €495

Grantee: Speranţa Vieţii (Hope of Life) NGO, Cahul Project manager: Natalia MEDVETKI Summary: The project main goal was to raise public awareness on HIV/AIDS in the district of Cahul; to inform teenagers about the HIV infection; to teach responsibility for personal health; to promote tolerance and ethical behavior toward PLHIV. €500

Grantee: Centrul Regional pentru Politici Comunitare (Regional Center for Community Policies) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Alexandr CURAŞOV Summary: The project aim was to inform and raise community awareness with regard to HIV/AIDS and to strengthen efforts in fighting HIV in the district of Soroca. €500

Grantee: Viaţa Nouă (New Life) NGO, Chişinău Project manager: Ruslan POVERGA Summary: The project pursued the aim to inform and raise community awareness with regard to HIV/AIDS and to strengthen efforts in fighting HIV in the district of Anenii Noi. €500

Participation in local and international events

Participation of the Representative of the Department of Penitentiary Institutions in the UNDOC Congress, Brazil, April 14-19 Grantee: Vadim COJOCARU $2,413

Training Course in Outreach Activity among Female Sex Workers, Donetsk, Ukraine, June 9-11 Grantees: Victor CIBURCIU, Elena MUNTEANU, Aleona CIOBANU $3,414

Training Course in Basic Concepts for Outreaches Involved in Harm Reduction Programs in RM, Chişinău, September 30 - October 2. $2,737

Training Courses for Social Assistants in the Field of HIV/AIDS In 2010, 6 training sessions were carried out for social assistants from different districts of the Republic of Moldova: on March 26-27, at Cosmos Hotel in Chişinău, for 26 participants; on April 16- 17, at Cosmos Hotel in Chişinău, for 29 participants; on September 9-10, at Labor Institute in Chişinău, for 25 participants; on October 19-20 for 27 participants; on October 28-29 for 23 participants; and on November 10-11, at Labor Institute in Chişinău, for 26 participants. €9,173

Capacity Building Workshop for Social Protection System Workers within the National Program on Control and Prevention of HIV/AIDS/STI On February 5-6, in Vadul lui Vodă, 24 representatives of decision-makers from the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family were trained in strategic planning, M&E and international best practices in HIV/AIDS. €2,933

Training Course in Routine M&E of PLHIV Support and Care Programs for NGOs Implementing Activities funded under GFATM Round 8, March 31- April 2, Chişinău, Labor Institute. 24 NGO representatives, SFM grantees, attended this seminar. €2,343

Trainings in Palliative Care for People Living with HIV/AIDS On May 12 -14, and May 24 – 26 at Labor Institute in Chişinău, 44 social workers and peer to peer consultants were trained in palliative care services provision to PLHIV. €4,570

Training in Organizational Management On May 27-29, 22 representatives, directors and coordinators of NGOs, SFM’s grantees of GFATM, Round 8, were trained in Organizational Management. €2,524

Training of Social Assistants within the Social Protection System and Training of Management Skills in Social Assistance System In the period of May 31 - June 5, June 7 - 12, and June 14-18, 47 social workers/assistants and peer to peer and 15 directors/coordinators of NGOs, grant beneficiaries of GFATM Round 8, had the possibility to attend training courses in the social protection system of the Republic of Moldova. The training courses were held within the Academy of Public Administration in Chişinău. €1,735

Training course „Multidisciplinary Teams’ Capacity-building for Working with Victims and Potential Victims of Human Trafficking in the Republic of Moldova, Beneficiaries of the National Referral System” On July7-8, at Jazz Hotel in Chişinău, a training course for 51 public servants and representatives of various organizations active in the field was organized. The event was organized by the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family and was co-funded by the Soros Foundation- Moldova and the International Organization for Migration. €1,028

Training in HIV/AIDS of the Staff of Summer Camps On November 2-3, within the Labor Institute, Chişinău, two training sessions (one day each) in HIV/AIS were organized for managers and staff representatives of summer camps. 36 persons attended the training sessions in HIV/AIDS. €1,042

Trainings sessions „Professional Foster Care for Children Infected/affected by HIV/AIDS within the Social Services System” On October 27-28, November 3-4 and November 17-18, within the Labor Institute in Chişinău, three training sessions were organized for 74 professional foster parents. The participants were trained in providing professional care to children, including children infected/affected by HIV/AIDS. €4, 218

Participation in the Regional Workshop for Eastern Europe and Central Asia on Developing the Leadership Capacities of HIV+ Women, November 1-5, Moscow, Russia Grantee: Irina GALACENCO, Tiraspol €549

Other activities:

Development of the Sectoral Strategy on Social Protection and Assistance for PLHIV for 2011– 2015. The National Sectoral Strategy on Social Protection and Assistance to PLHIV was developed in line with the provisions of the National Program for Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS/STI for 2011–2015. It was approved by Ordinance #188 of the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family on November 12, 2010. €3,798

Development of a Training Module for Foster Parents The training module for foster parents was developed with the goal of informing them on HIV/AIDS related issues and help them alleviate the stigma and discrimination that the HIV/AIDS affected/infected children might be subjected to. The aforementioned module was approved by Ordinance #175 of 13 October issued by the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family for subsequent use in training activities. The training module materials were printed out in 600 copies and disseminated to training participants. €3,600

Review of the Training Curriculum for Social Assistants The curriculum on integrated approach to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support was developed, reviewed and approved by the Technical Working Group (TWG) within the National Coordination Council on TB/HIV/STI on "Social Protection" and subsequently approved by Ordinance of the Minister of Labor, Social Protection and Family # 221-P1 of June 4, to be used for continuous training of social assistants. €3,709

Development and Publishing of a Training Module for Social Assistants in Integrated Approach to PLHIV The training module for social assistants in integrated approach to PLHIV includes social service provision and social assistance to PLHIV and people affected by HIV/AIDS and focuses on specific activities for social workers in providing services to HIV positive people. The training module was printed in 1000 copies and was disseminated to the participants of the training. €5,204

Support to the National Working Group on Socio-economic Assessment of PLHIV The Technical Working Group (TWG) of the National Coordination Council on TB/HIV/STI on "Social Protection" was established in order to facilitate cooperation between the main stakeholders. The meetings of the TWG are held regularly on a monthly basis. €113

During 2010, the Public Health Program team participated in various workshops, conferences, local, national and international training courses. The participation in these activities aimed at increasing the capacities of the program team and also to contribute to the development and implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Policies including the workshop on “Drafting UNGASS Report” organized by the Ministry of Health of Moldova; Planning Meeting of the National Coordination Council on TB/HIV/STI "TB/AIDS Strategic Planning 2011-2012"; regional consultation seminar on “Hidden Epidemic – HIV Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender People in Eastern Europe and Central Asia” organized by UNFPA, in Kiev, Ukraine; workshop on “Gender Capacity Building within NGOs Active in HIV/AIDS towards a National Response to HIV and Gender Aspects”, organized by the UNAIDS in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family; training course in “Media Skills for Advocacy in the Sphere of Public Health”; training in “Monitoring and Evaluation Principles in National Response to HIV/AIDS Epidemics” organized by UNAIDS, development of the concept framework of the national HIV/AIDS database for the monitoring and evaluation system in the Republic of Moldova, estimation of the possible HIV infection transmission, drugs addiction treatment and Harm Reduction in penitentiaries, participation in the team and communication skills building of the Public Health Program staff, etc.

During 2010, the Public Health Program coordinated the activity of the technical working group” Vulnerable Groups” of CCM.

In order to ensure a successful implementation of the activities of grant beneficiary organizations, the Harm Reduction Sub-program purchased and disseminated goods/consumables (syringes, alcohol wipes, etc.) in the amount of 69,136 USD (funded by a third party). In 2010, the program received from PCU and donated to program grantees condoms in the value of 21, 233 USD.

Expenditures for publishing informational materials: 6,851 USD and 18,743 Euro Monitoring and evaluation activities implementation costs: 19,510 USD and 5,279 Euro Other related costs: SFM/OSI NY – 12,533 USD and third party funding – 42,361 USD and 62,605 Euro

Total Harm Reduction Subprogram expenditures: SFM/OSI NY –65,072 USD and third party funding – 523,851 USD and 776,456 Euro

Public Health Program administration expenditures: 28,975 USD Total Public Health Program expenditures: 1,014,673 USD and 776,456 Euro

CULTURAL POLICY PROGRAM

Vision: A decentralized, democratic and modern cultural sector in Moldova, based on a l egal framework aligned with European standards, implementing new models of cultural activity, and promoting collaboration between decision-makers, cultural stakeholders and the related segment of civil society.

Context: The mission of the Cultural Policy Program of the Soros Foundation-Moldova (SFM) is to contribute to the development of an open, participatory, pluralistic society, based on democratic values. In order to achieve this goal, the Cultural Policy Program organizes, supports and finances activities intended to strengthen the cultural sector and cultural policies.

The Program targets several important aspects of cultural and artistic processes in Moldova related to the promotion of ambitious, sustainable, decentralized and modern cultural policies. In order to achieve this goal, the Foundation established a partnership with the European Cultural Foundation, based on a systemic and complex approach to strengthening human resources. Three comprehensive projects are being implemented within this partnership: - Pilot-project “Visions on the Cultural Policy for Moldova: from Changes to Sustainability” - „Reinforcing Moldova’s Development Capacities by Strengthening Its Cultural Sector”, supported financially by the MATRA Program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, ECF and OSF. - “TANDEM: Cultural Managers Exchange Ukraine – European Union - Moldova ”, implemented by the European Cultural Foundation, MitOst, Centre for Cultural Management Lviv, Soros Foundation-Moldova, Culture Action Europe, financially supported by the European Commission and Robert Bosch Foundation.

Program Director: Victoria MIRON, Email: [email protected]

List of Acronyms:

ECF European Cultural Foundation NGO Non-governmental Organization OSF Open Society Foundations SFM Soros Foundation-Moldova

PROJECT 1: VISIONS ON THE CULTURAL POLICIES FOR THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA: FROM CHANGES TO SUSTAINABILITY

The pilot-project launched in 2007 in partnership with the European Cultural Foundation, the Netherlands, aims: - to develop a future vision on the cultural policy of Moldova and a practical development plan for the cultural sector at the national and local levels; - to draft an initial policy vision and concrete practical measures for the cultural development in Moldova, which are collected, conceived and commonly accepted by all leading stakeholders in the cultural field; - to set up a task force comprising cultural managers and decision-makers who will promote the current needs and interests of the cultural sector and advocate for them at all relevant policy levels; - to develop training and capacity building programs and tools, gradually serving all relevant stakeholders in Moldova’s cultural sector; - to build up a group of culture professionals as local trainers/consultants/experts who shall develop and implement future training and technical assistance programs in Moldova, which among others, shall serve the professionalization of cultural managers dealing with strategic planning, organizational development, fundraising, etc., but also shall address the training needs of cultural administrators in the provinces and executives at all decision-making levels; - to develop the web portal www.cultura.md.

In 2010, the editing of the trilingual content of the website in the fields of cultural policies, cultural heritage, visual arts, music, theater, cinema, and choreography continued. In June, an open call for translators was announced and additional translators were selected to finalize the translation of the website information.

The web portal structure was adjusted and Victoria TCACENCO, Head of European Integration and Academic Mobility Department, Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts, coordinated the process of drafting the website PR campaign.

Project 1 expenditures: $9,671 – OSF/core funds

PROJECT 2: REINFORCING MOLDOVA’S DEVELOPMENT CAPACITIES BY STRENGTHENING ITS CULTURAL SECTOR

In 2010, the Soros Foundation-Moldova continued the implementation of the project “Reinforcing Moldova’s Development Capacities by Strengthening Its Cultural Sector”, with financial support from the European Cultural Foundation and the MATRA Program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the Open Society Foundations.

Training Course in Marketing, Audience Development and Public Relations, February 16-19, SFM, Chişinău (group I) The training course aimed at developing the skills in marketing of cultural programs and projects, positioning marketing as part of the overall organizational strategy and improving the capacities in audience development for diverse cultural products and services. The main topics covered during the training course centered on marketing terminology used in the cultural sector, developing the organizational identity, image and branding, development of tools for connecting marketing with innovative fundraising techniques and others. The trainers used interactive methods, including sharing of examples of effective marketing and strategic planning from Kaliningrad (the National Center for Modern Art) and Moldova and group work. The training participants presented their individual strategic plans and received feedback in finalizing their own strategic endeavors.

The training was led by Lidia VARBANOVA, trainer from Canada, and assisted by local trainers: Victoria TCACENCO, Irina GRABOVAN, Claudia CRĂCIUN, and Veaceslav REABCINSCHI. Special guests: Yulia BARDUN, Vlada SMIRONOVA, Svetlana SOKOLOVA (Kaliningrad)

Participants: 31 representatives of cultural institutions from the Republic of Moldova, local and foreign trainers

$9,758 (including $8,925 - MATRA funds and $833 - OSF/core funds)

Training Course in Inter-institutional and Inter-sector Cooperation; Cooperation with the European Union, April 6-9, SFM, Chişinău (group II) The training course aimed at providing information to representatives and heads of local cultural departments about international, national and local cooperation strategies and partnerships between cultural organizations, funding and partnerships in the European Union and prospects for institutions from the Republic of Moldova. The training was supported by presentations on cooperation with public administrations made by the following persons: - Valentina PLEŞCA, Head of the Regional Development Department, Ministry of Construction and Regional Development of the Republic of Moldova, who presented examples of public-private partnerships. - Victoria TCACENCO, Head of the European Integration and Academic Mobility Department, Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts, who presented examples of international cultural projects implemented locally. - Valeriu RUSU, Director of the Habitat Regional Development Agency, who presented a case study on local, national and international partnerships - Gheorghe CHISTOL, Head of the International Relations Department of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, who explained how international cooperation in cultural development can be promoted.

Training participants benefited from individual tutoring and analysis of their strategic plans. Foreign trainer: Corina RĂCEANU (Romania) Local trainers: Claudia CRĂCIUN, Veaceslav REABCINSCHI, Victoria TCACENCO Special guests: Valentina PLEŞCA, Gheorghe CHISTOL

Participants: 30 representatives of local houses of culture, local and foreign trainers

$9,529 (including $8,698 - MATRA funds and $831 - OSF/core funds)

Training Course in Project/Production Development and Project Management, June 28-July 2, Vadul-lui-Vodă, „IT Relax” Training Center (groups I and II) The training covered topics on pr oject management, project life cycle, project management cycle, skills of a successful project manager, audit of individual competences of participants in the field of project management, project development stage: from problems to aims, activities and resources, stakeholder analysis and planning interaction with them, evaluation of cultural policies, resources and budgeting: calculating project costs based on a work breakdown structure, project implementation, communication, monitoring, evaluation, human resources and pr oject management: co-productions, mobility, touring.

Veaceslav REABCINSCHI and Claudia CRĂCIUN presented their research study on the activity of houses of culture in the Republic of Moldova, conducted within the project and organized debates among the participants based on the recommendations and conclusions made in the study. The training participants benefited from individual tutoring and analysis of their strategic plans.

Foreign trainers: Corina RĂCEANU (Romania), Pascale BONNIEL CHALIER (France), Vlada SMIRNOVA, Svetlana SOKOLOVA, Iulia BARDUN (Kaliningrad) Local trainers: Claudia CRĂCIUN, Veaceslav REABCINSCHI, Victoria TCACENCO, Irina GRABOVAN Special guests: Zumray KUTLU, Eylem ERTURK IPEK (Turkey), Dilia HAM, Philipp DIETACHMAIR (ECF), Tatiana ŞAPTEFRAŢI, PhD, Academy of Public Administration.

Participants: 65 representatives of local houses of culture, cultural institutions, local and foreign trainers

$19,665 (including $16,630 - MATRA funds, $3,035 – OSF/core funds)

Training Course in Progress Analysis in Drafting and Implementing Strategies, October 19 -22, Vadul-lui-Vodă, IT Relax Training Center (groups I and II) Vladia BORISOVA, PhD and senior assistant at the Center of Intellectual Property of the University of National and World Economy in Sofia, made a presentation about intellectual property (IP) and industrial property (patent, design, trademark), IP: essence, objects of IP system, characteristics, economic results, characteristics of IP protection, copyright: main issues. Angela STROICI, General Director of the Copyright and Related Rights Association of the Republic of Moldova, talked about IP and copyright: the current situation in Moldova: legislative issues and practices. Throughout the training, the participants benefited from individual assistance in drafting their strategies. Corina RĂCEANU presented an example of good practices – the cultural strategy of the Timiş County, Romania. The course finalized with a public presentation of the best strategy developed by one of the participants in both groups. The presentation was followed up by discussions on the development process and the difficulties they encountered during this process.

Foreign trainer: Corina RĂCEANU (Romania) Local trainers: Claudia CRĂCIUN, Veaceslav REABCINSCHI, Victoria TCACENCO, Irina GRABOVAN Special guests: Vladia BORISOVA, Angela STROICI Participants: 44 representatives of local houses of culture, cultural institutions, local and foreign trainers

$17,341 – ECF funds

Study on the Role of Cultural Houses in Drafting Local, District and National Cultural Policies and organization of local debates on the study, implemented by the Center for Cultural Policies The Center for Cultural Policies developed the study „The Role of Cultural Houses in Local, District and Nations Cultural Policies” with the aim to analyze the current situation and the activity of the Houses of Culture from rural areas, and to draft recommendations and suggestions.

The author analyzed statistic data, legislation and methodology related to the activity of rural cultural institutions and cultural organizations from abroad in various timeframes, identified issues faced by

48 houses of culture and made recommendations for improving their status in market economy conditions.

The report was presented by Claudia CRĂCIUN and Veaceslav REABCINSCHI within the training “Project/Production Development and Project Management”- 2 organized during June 28-July 2 at the IT Relax Training Center in Vadul-lui-Vodă, (groups I&II).

Additionally, local debates were organized in various districts with the main goal to get central and local authorities and specialists who work in cultural organizations involved in community-level cultural development. During the period January 1 – July 31, approximately 55 debates were organized throughout the republic, specifically in the following districts: Ocniţa, Basarabeasca, Hînceşti, Leova, Cantemir, Cahul, Ungheni, Donduşeni, Sîngerei, Criuleni, Briceni, Edineţ, Glodeni, Călăraşi, Rîşcani, Ialoveni, Drochia, Dubăsari, Chişinău, Ştefan Vodă, Soroca, Făleşti.

Coordinator: Veaceslav REABCINSCHI, Center for Cultural Policies, director

$13,329 – ECF funds

Advocacy Campaign on the Law on the Cultural Fund in the Republic of Moldova In 2010, the advocacy campaign organized by the Center for Cultural Policies in support of the Law on the Cultural Fund continued. It included: - publication of information on topics discussed during the campaign in the media, on the radio and TV - organization of thematic press-conferences - development of advertisements in national media - designing and advertising banners - organization of cultural activities aimed at raising public opinion on cultural issues in the following districts: Soroca, Rîşcani, Leova, Cantemir, Cahul, Călăraşi, Donduşeni, Drochia, Hînceşti - organization of an on-line media campaign (for more details, see www.fondulculturii.wordpress.com)

Coordinator: Veaceslav REABCINSCHI, Center for Cultural Policies, director

$7,652 – OSF/core funds

Publishing of the Book Strategic Planning of Cultural Organizations as an Open Learning System by Lidia VARBANOVA The book is designed for manages from the cultural sector, administrators of cultural organizations, members of district councils, policymakers, project coordinators who need a step-by-step guidance in understanding the theory and practical application of a strategic plan in a cultural institution (whether a state one, a private one, or a NGO.) In 2010, the book went through the final stage of translation and editing and was published in a print run of 500 copies. During the first half of 2011, it is planned to distribute the book to various cultural institutions from the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Russia and the European Union.

$4,728 - ECF funds

Developing a Handbook in Cultural Management for Local Administrations In 2010, local and foreign experts in the field of cultural management began writing a series of articles for a trilingual collection for local public administrations. The book will be finalized and published in 2011.

Authors: Claudia CRĂCIUN, Corina RĂCEANU, Irina GRABOVAN, Veaceslav REABCINSCHI, Victoria TCACENCO, Antonio RUSSO, Diana DODD, Mariangela LAVANGA.

$5,063 – ECF funds

Publishing of the Guide Arts and Culture in the Republic of Moldova In 2010, the process of text and visual materials collection, translation and editing for the book „Arts and Culture in the Republic of Moldova” was started. The book will be published during the first half of 2011.

Coordinator: Irina GRABOVAN $562 - ECF funds

Study Visit to the Netherlands, November 16-21 In the course of three years, the participants in the project „Reinforcing Moldova’s Development Capacities by Strengthening Its Cultural Sector” learned about and applied the acquired knowledge in the field of cultural management and cultural policies in their institutions. After thorough tutoring sessions, the participants drafted individual strategic plans which were reviewed by local trainers. According to the final evaluation of each participant’s performance and quality of the strategic plan, 20 finalists were selected to participate in a one-week documentation and exchange visit to The Netherlands during November 16-21.

The participants took part in numerous visits and meetings with representatives of cultural organizations which included: Municipality of Oss (Jan VAN LOON, Councilor for Finance and Culture), Lievekamp Theatre (Hilda VLIEGENTHART, director), Maasland Library and the Center for Arts Muzelinck, 'Cultuurpodium de Engel' (Oscar JANSSEN, coordinator), City Museum Jan Cunen (Nicolette BARTELINK, director), Foundation for Cultural Participation, Foundation for Arts, Amsterdam, Spakenburg Museum and some others. MATRA funds

Final Conference and Award Ceremony, December 17, Chişinău On December 17, 53 representatives of local public administrations, cultural departments, diverse cultural and artistic institutions from Moldova, representatives of the Ministry of Culture (Gheorghe POSTICĂ, vice-minister), representatives of the European Cultural Foundation (Katherine WATSON, director) gathered for a summative conference where the impact of the three-year project “Reinforcing Moldova’s Development Capacities by Strengthening Its Cultural Sector” was analyzed, and a project outlook was presented.

53 participants received diplomas within the end-of-project ceremony.

$6,490 - ECF funds Organizational and communication expenditures: $6,565 - SFM/core funds

Project 2 expenditures: $100,682

PROJECT 3: TANDEM: CULTURAL MANAGERS EXCHANGE UKRAINE – EUROPEAN UNION – MOLDOVA

In November 2010, the „Tandem“ project was launched with the aim to build new and long-term collaborative relations between selected organizations from European Union countries and cultural key players from Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

The project was developed by the European Cultural Foundation and MitOst and is carried out together with the Center for Cultural Management Lviv, Soros Foundation-Moldova and Culture Action Europe, with financial support from the European Commission and Robert Bosch Foundation.

General objectives: - to enhance awareness and understanding of creative values already shared across the EU, Ukraine and Moldova while simultaneously promoting innovation of artistic expressions through a fruitful combination of local cultural particularities on trans-national cooperation levels - to increase and consolidate the number of tangible, influential and long-lasting direct artistic cooperation links between pioneering cultural organizations from across the EU countries on the one hand and Moldova and Ukraine on the other. - to mutually increase readiness, flexibility and capacities of cultural organizations in the EU, Moldova and Ukraine required for engaging in productive trans-national cooperation projects on pan-European level which ultimately result in new creative long-term partnerships on equal footing. - to break prevailing stereotypical images and negative/inaccurate socio-cultural labels associated with professionals/artists) and surprising artistic encounters (for a wider European public across Moldova, Ukraine and the EU).

In late 2010, the first project kick-off meeting took place with the participation of all implementing partners. During the meeting, they established selection criteria for project candidates from Moldova, Ukraine and European Union, as well as the visiting schedule for European organizations planned for April 2011.

Project 3 expenditures: $538 – ECF funds

Total Cultural Policy Program expenditures: $110,891

MEDIA PROGRAM

Vision: Moldova – a country with a free information market serving not only as a general human value but also as an indispensable tool for economic and social progress.

Context: The most serious problems in the media field are related to the need to improve public information, to implement operational mechanisms of public opinion, and to create an information space adjusted to the standards of societies with established democratic traditions.

During 2010, the Media Program contributed to the strengthening of regional broadcasters based on high standards and responsible and professional editorial practices through a series of activities including continuous training, systematic monitoring, technical assistance, technological upgrading, exchange of audio/video programming aimed to expand and diversify the broadcast for the benefit of rural audience and for the production of news and programs of community interest.

The local broadcast media was also assisted during the referendum and early parliamentary elections held in November. All regional TV network members organized political debates in Romanian and Russian languages, with the participation of all electoral candidates thus presenting relevant information to voters. Furthermore, the Media Program supported civil society initiatives aimed at observing the compliance with the legal provisions in the functioning of the public audiovisual and regulatory institutions in this field, adjustment to European standards of the whole legal framework of the audiovisual, protection of the freedom of expression and observing the legal provisions on transparency and principles of pluralism and diversity in the national media. During the reporting period, the Media Program established effective partnerships with the Electronic Press Association, the Coordinating Council on Audiovisual and media institutions. An essential part of program activities were financed in cooperation with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, OSI- London, and Press-Now (the Netherlands).

Program Director: Victoria MIRON, Email: [email protected] Project Assistant: Cristina ANDONI, Email: [email protected]

List of Acronyms:

ATU Administrative Territorial Unit APEL Association of Electronic Press from Moldova BCC Broadcasting Coordinating Council IJC Independent Journalism Center NPIA National Public Institution of Audiovisual RPIA Regional Public Institution of Audiovisual NCRF National Council for Radio Frequencies OSF Open Society Foundations SFM Soros Foundation-Moldova Sida Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency

SUBPROGRAM 1: SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENT LOCAL MEDIA

Project 1: Enhancing the Regional Broadcast Media Network’s Capacity to Report on Issues of Public and Community Interest

The Soros Foundation-Moldova, with financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, is implementing a two-year project (December 2009-January 2012) entitled “Improving Good Governance in Moldova through Increased Public Participation”. The Media Program is responsible for implementing the project component “Enhancing the Regional Broadcast Media Network’s Capacity to Report on Issues of Public and Community Interest”.

Project area objectives: - to strengthen the capacity of the regional broadcasters’ network for producing qualitative programs on issues of public and community concern - to enable citizens and communities to shape the news agenda by enhancing the skills of regional journalists and raising the professional standards of local media - to support the development of the media sector in Transnistria and cooperation between the media outlets from both banks of the Nistru river - to increase citizens’ understanding of development, social justice and governance issues through a better and more engaged local journalism - to encourage greater citizens’ participation in governance and civic life through public journalism initiatives - to strengthen the capacity of the Regional Professional Broadcasting Association to manage and support professionally the network of regional broadcasters.

Currently, the Radio/TV network comprises 14 TV stations and 12 radio stations as follows:

TV network: Canal X (Briceni), AVM (Edineţ), Impuls TV (Şoldăneşti), Studio-L (Căuşeni), Albasat (Nisporeni), Bas TV (Basarabeasca), NTS (Taraclia), TV Prim (Glodeni), Flor TV (Floreşti), Art TV (Străşeni), TV Euronova (Ungheni), TVD (Donduşeni), Aiin Aciic (Ciadîr-Lunga), ATV (Comrat).

Radio network: Radio Orhei (Orhei), Plus FM (Sîngerei); Radio Media (Cimişlia), Bas FM (Basarabeasca), Radio Albena (Taraclia), Radio Jelannoe (Rîbniţa), Radio Novaia Volna (Bender), Radio Prim (Glodeni), Radio Mingir (Mingir), Flor FM (Floreşti), Canal-X FM (Briceni), Impuls FM (Şoldăneşti).

In compliance with the project strategy, the radio and TV stations selected for participation in the project, benefited from a complex training program, systematic technical assistance, experience and broadcasting exchange as well as direct support (grants). The direct support for the production of news and radio/TV programs of community interest covered the following components: - partial coverage of production costs of news and community interest programs aimed to be broadcast and exchanged within the network - in-house trainings facilitated by a professional local expert - exchange visits to partner stations - radio and TV network meetings - support for Internet connection -technological upgrade - support to organize and facilitate citizen journalism promotional activities

GRANTS FOR RADIO AND TV STATIONS

In 2010, local radio and TV stations benefited from the following direct support:

Radio Network:

Grantee: Radio Prim from Glodeni, Megan TV JSC Project manager: Arcadie MAICAN, director $8,720

Grantee: Plus FM from Sîngerei, Inforustic Ltd Project manager: Ştefan SOLTAN, editor-in-chief $8,720

Grantee: Radio Orhei from Orhei, Media Sfera Ltd Project manager: Tatiana DJAMANOV, director $8,720

Grantee: Radio Media from Cimişlia, Pro Media Ltd Project manager: Andrei BARGAN, director $ 6,120

Grantee: Radio Albena from Taraclia, Urania FM Ltd Project manager: Vasilii CASSA, director $8,720

Grantee: Bas FM from Basarabeasca, LV-Topal Ltd Project manager: Vladimir TOPAL $8,720

Grantee: Radio Mingir from Mingir, Hînceşti district, “Info-Mingir” NGO Project manager: Vitalie ŞELARU, director $8,720

Grantee: Flor FM from Floreşti, Flor TV Ltd Project manager: Valeriu POSTOLACHI, director $8,720

Grantee: Canal-X FM from Briceni, Canal-X Ltd Project manager: Piotr CONDRAŢCHII, director $6,520

Grantee: Impuls FM from Şoldăneşti, Impuls TV Ltd Project manager: Victor SOFRONII, director $6,320

Grantee: Radio Jelannoe from Rîbniţa, Teleradio Company LIK Ltd Project manager: Elena SUHODOLISKAIA, director $6,720

Grantee: Radio Novaia Volna from Tighina, Novaia Volna LIK Ltd Project manager: Grigori VOLOVOI, director $8,720

Grantee: Radio Sănătatea from Edineţ, Center for Health Education and Health Promotion Project manager: Vasile SOFRONIE, director $8,020

TV Network:

Grantee: Bas TV from Basarabeasca, LV-Topal Ltd Project manager: Vladimir TOPAL, director $20,670

Grantee: NTS from Taraclia, Urania FM Ltd Project manager: Vasilii CASSA, director $17,440

Grantee: TV Prim from Glodeni, Megan TV JSC Project manager: Arcadie MAICAN, director $20,770

Grantee: Art TV from Străşeni, Art Club Ltd Project manager: Dumitru TRIBOI, director $17,170

Grantee: Albasat from Nisporeni, Albasat Ltd Project manager: Efim BARDAN, director $20,770

Grantee: Studio-L from Căuşeni, Studio-L Ltd Project manager: Ghenadie LUPACESCU, director $17,270

Grantee: Impuls TV from Şoldăneşti, Dalan Ltd Project manager: Victor SOFRONI, director $20,770

Grantee: Canal-X from Briceni, Canal X Ltd Project manager: Piotr CONDRAŢCHII, director $20,940

Grantee: AVM from Edineţ, AVM Ltd Project manager: Vladimir GUMENIUC, studio manager $17,270

Grantee: Flor TV from Floreşti, Flor TV Ltd Project manager: Valeriu POSTOLACHI, director $20,940

Grantee: Euronova from Ungheni, TV Euronova Ltd Project manager: Efim BARDAN, director $17,820

Grantee: ATV from Comrat, Bizim Aidinik Ltd Project manager: Elizaveta ROTARI, director $17,820

Grantee: Aiin Aciic from Ciadîr-Lunga, Aiin Aciic Ltd Project manager: Liubovi CASÎM, director $17,920

Grantee: TVD from Donduşeni, SERVTV Ltd Project manager: Victor CIUMAC, director $17,270

Total grants: $368,300 – Sida funds

Travel grants:

Study visit of local broadcasters from Moldova (NTS/Radio Albena from Taraclia, Bas TV/Bas FM from Basarabeasca) to Bulgaria and Romania for experience exchange and establishing partnership relations with radio/TV stations, February 16-20 The goal of the study and partnering visit was to sign new agreements for radio/TV program exchange between regional stations from Taraclia and Basarabeasca districts and similar stations from Bulgaria. Such an exchange will be beneficial to the people from the Southern regions, where a

55 large number of citizens of Bulgarian descent live. The visit also aimed at making connections with radio and TV experts who would be able to provide future training services for radio/TV network members.

The visiting program was organized due to the invitation of the Ambassador of Bulgaria, Bojedar DIMITROV. It included meetings with representatives of important media institutions from Bulgaria and Romania: Uliana PRÎMO, General Director of the National Television Company in Bulgaria, Krasimir UZUNOV, President of the Focus news agency, Ghergana NEDELCEVA, Administrative Director of the Focus radio station, Maxim MINCEV, General Director of Telegraph Agency in Bulgaria, Jena PAVLOVA, General Director of the PRO BG radio station, journalists, experts and the administration of DARIC RADIO, etc.

Grantees: Vasilii CASSA, director, Radio Albena, NTS stations (Taraclia), Vladimir TOPAL, director, Bas TV, Bas FM stations (Basarabeasca) $748 (Sida funds)

Participation in the 10th World Assembly of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC’10), November 8-13, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina The conference attended by grassroots broadcasters, activists and well-known freedom of expression advocates and communicators adopted the La Plata Declaration, elected the members of the international Board of Directors of AMARC global network; awarded, in its sixth edition, the solidarity prize to the Haitian community radios for their role in supporting the population after the February 2010 earthquake. AMARC’10 also adopted the strategic lines of action for 2011-2014 assembling in part the rich content exchanges and recommendations from plenary, seminars and workshops on reinforcing the social impact of community radio in development, democratization and recognition of diversity of societies; on creating enabling environments for community radio development; on ensuring social, economic and political sustainability of the sector at local, regional and international levels.

Grantees: Vasilii CASSA, director, Radio Albena (Taraclia), Vladimir TOPAL, director, Bas FM (Basarabeasca), Angelica JELNOVA, editor-in-chief, Radio Jelannoe (Rîbniţa), Grigori VOLOVOI, director, Radio Novaia Volna (Bender), Arcadie MAICAN, director, Radio Prim (Glodeni), Victor SOFRONII, president of the Meridian Association of Regional Broadcasters, Piotr CONDRAŢCHII, director, Canal-X FM (Briceni), Valeriu POSTOLACHI, director, Flor FM (Floreşti), Ion BUNDUCHI, Radio/TV network coordinator. $22,414 ($17, 992 Sida funds, $4,422 – SFM/core funds)

Operational projects

Chişinău-based Central Radio/TV Network Studio The Chişinău-based central studio, which started its activity in 2010, was established with the goal to offer to the radio/TV network members program material on issues of national concern: news, programs, debate programs on social issues, inserts from Chişinău, thus creating a central hub of excellence. Regional journalists will not only benefit from a wide spectrum of qualitative programming, but will also be able to participate in trainings, exchanges and work visits organized at the central studio.

The central studio started its activity with the production of daily news for the network (22 news programming were produced in December) and 2 series of talk-shows: the first one - “Spectrum” - a political talk-show hosted by Arcadie BARBAROŞIE, Director of the Institute for Public Policy, and the second one - “Poduri” (Bridges) - a program focusing on the Transnistrian conflict issue, hosted by a well-known expert, Oazu NANTOI.

All the programming can be downloaded from the network website: www.canalregional.md.

The Chişinău-based central studio team includes: Vasile STATE, studio manager; Olga CEBANU, reporter, Marcel CHISTRUGA, director/editor/cameraman; Denis TCACI, director/editor/cameraman, Mihai HÎNCU, technical administrator, Nichita BÎRCHIN, administrative assistant. $65,809, including $25,827 Sida funds and $39,992 – SFM/core funds

Training Course in „Debate Programming at Local Radio/TV Stations”, January 10-17, 2011, Bulgaria The main purpose of this training course was to exercise, through theoretical and practical workshops, the best practices in making news reports, stand-ups, interviewing techniques, organization of election campaigns, political TV debates, etc. The program focused on issues related to the pre- electoral period in Moldova, such as coverage of electoral campaigns in the media, organization of electoral debates, political advertising, interview techniques, video editing, and development of radio and TV reportages. Special attention was paid to issues related to news collection and political reporting with the aim to further improve the knowledge and practical skills of participants. The analysis of materials produced and edited by participants during the training helped local stations from Moldova better prepare for an efficient electoral media campaign and strengthened their institutional capacity. Each theoretical training module was followed by practical sessions and exercises.

The training was organized in partnership with the Media Development Center, Bulgaria. Foreign trainers: Georgi CURTEV, Nina ALEXANDROVA, Dmitri ISKRENOV, Dilian STOYANOV Local trainer: Ion BUNDUCHI 55 participants, representatives of local radio/TV stations from the Republic of Moldova $28,048 including $773 - 2010 budget expenditures and $27,275 - 2011 budget expenditures; Sida funds

Audience Research Survey of Regional Radio and TV Network Member Stations An audience research survey was conducted in late 2010. Viewership data was collected that revealed the level of public trust and confidence in local media, as well as which media platforms people trust most and what they turn to these media platforms for: news, analysis, debate or entertainment. The research company, CBS-AXA Ltd., selected through a public bidding, conducted the survey based on 800 questionnaires filled out in each geographic region throughout the country (totaling 3 regions: Northern, Central and Southern regions, including Transnistria and ATU Gagauzia). The research survey results are to be presented in March 2011. $24,650, including $940 - 2010 budget expenditures and $23,710 - 2011 budget expenditures; Sida funds

Network Webpage Maintenance and Broadcast Exchange within the Network Radio and TV stations exchange news and programs within the network via the webpage www.canalregional.md. This mechanism for broadcast exchange facilitates cooperation among member-stations and increases the broadcasting volume of each station.

The data transfer among stations allows each station to download programs or news produced by others, thus creating a “virtual news room” through which stations communicate and secure constant partner-based programming.

In 2010 alone, the member stations supplied the network with over 6500 news and topics and 1400 community-interest programs and debates. $708 – Sida funds

Network Meetings, Exchange Visits, In-house Trainings, Consulting and Technical Assistance In 2010, systematic network meetings were organized in Chişinău (11) and regionally (4), including a training course for project accountants held on March 13. During the network meetings, regional journalists were exposed to fresh ideas from their peers (journalists, cameramen, IT professionals, etc.) and were presented the monthly programming monitoring results on the quality and quantity of TV and radio coverage. They were thoroughly analyzed and concrete solutions for improving network exchange were identified.

The in-house trainings were conducted by local trainers, highly qualified professionals, who were selected on an open competition basis: Ludmila BARBĂ, Vitalie CĂLUGĂREANU, Radu BENEA, Vlad ŢURCANU, Andrei ZAPŞA, Corneliu RUSNAC, Tudor PÂSLARU.

Additionally, a total of ten study visits were organized by stations which contributed to building stronger partnerships. The Canal X TV station team conducted visits to the NTS TV station, Bas TV station and AVM TV station; the new network member stations Radio Mingir and Flor FM visited their more experienced colleagues at Radio Media from Cimişlia and Radio Albena from Taraclia.

Radio Network Place Period Soros Foundation-Moldova February 19 Soros Foundation-Moldova March 23-24 Soros Foundation-Moldova May 4-5 Soros Foundation-Moldova May 10-11 Soros Foundation-Moldova June 10-11 Soros Foundation-Moldova September 27-28 Bălţi December 10-11 Comrat December 14-15

TV Network Place Period Soros Foundation-Moldova January 20 Soros Foundation-Moldova February 19 Soros Foundation-Moldova March 23-24 Soros Foundation-Moldova April 20-21 Soros Foundation-Moldova April 29-30 Soros Foundation-Moldova June 10-11 Sadovo July 8-9 Soros Foundation-Moldova July 19-20 Nisporeni September 6 Soros Foundation-Moldova September 27-28 Soros Foundation-Moldova October 25 Bălţi December 10-11 Comrat December 14-15

Upon request, the Radio/TV network technical coordinator, Sergiu TUDOS, provided technical assistance to radio and TV stations. $6,276– Sida funds

Project Coordination, Review and Regular Monitoring of Network Members’ Activity The project implementation team which was rigorously selected via an open call ensured the well- functioning of the Radio/TV network, offering a wide spectrum of assistance and consulting. Regular monitoring provided a deep insight into the content side of the regional media programming and served as an instrument that measured each station’s stage of development in program delivery, quality and challenges in news and current affairs programming. The independent expert, Oleg ILIEŞ, and experts from Simpals Ltd participated in a work session held in September where the websites of 14 TV stations were analyzed. Each comment on the structure, content and design of the website was supported with concrete recommendations for improvement.

Implementation team: Ion BUNDUCHI, expert/ network coordinator Sergiu TUDOS, expert/technical network coordinator Tatiana BUNDUCHI, project coordinator Marcel CHISTRUGA, director/editor/cameraman Vasile STATE, central studio manager/TV programming monitor Dorina OSIPOV, radio programming monitor $58,450 (Sida funds)

Total Project 1 expenditures: $524,418, including $480,004 – Sida funds and $ 44,414 - SFM/core funds

Project 2: Strengthening the Network of Independent Radio and TV stations: Offering Videoconference Equipment to Local Stations and the Chişinău-based Central Studio

Grants

Grantee: Bas TV station from Basarabeasca, LV-Topal Ltd Project manager: Vladimir TOPAL, director $5,405

Grantee: NTS station from Taraclia, Urania FM Ltd Project manager: Vasilii CASSA, director $3,750

Grantee: TV Prim from Glodeni, Megan TV JSC Project manager: Arcadie MAICAN, director $4,415

Grantee: Art TV from Străşeni, Art Club Ltd Project manager: Dumitru TRIBOI, director $3,767

Grantee: Albasat from Nisporeni, Albasat Ltd Project manager: Efim BARDAN, director $4,989

Grantee: Studio-L from Căuşeni, Studio-L Ltd Project manager: Ghenadie LUPACESCU, director $3,315

Grantee: AVM from Edineţ, AVM Ltd Project manager: Vladimir GUMENIUC, studio manager $3,767

Grantee: Flor TV from Floreşti, Flor TV Ltd Project manager: Valeriu POSTOLACHI, director $3,723

Grantee: TVD from Donduşeni, SERVTV Ltd Project manager: Victor CIUMAC, director $4,546

Grantee: Impuls TV from Şoldăneşti, Dalan Ltd Project manager: Victor SOFRONI, director $5,875

Grantee: Canal-X from Briceni, Canal X Ltd Project manager: Piotr CONDRAŢCHII, director $5,875

Grantee: Euronova from Ungheni, TV Euronova Ltd Project manager: Efim BARDAN, director $5,075

Grantee: ATV from Comrat, Bizim Aidinik Ltd Project manager: Elizaveta ROTARI, director $5,875

Grantee: Aiin Aciic from Ciadîr-Lunga, Aiin Aciic Ltd Project manager: Liubovi CASÎM, director $5,875

Grantee: Meridian Association of Regional Broadcasters (central studio of the Radio/TV network) Project manager: Victor SOFRONI, president $12,748

$79,063 – SFM/core funds

Project 3: Media Coverage of the Referendum and the Early Parliamentary Elections in the Regional Media

Grants

14 TV stations were offered assistance in the production of pre-electoral, electoral and post-electoral debates (Early Parliamentary Elections from November 28 and Referendum) and technical support.

The project was implemented with financial support from NMF, OSF London.

Grantee: Bas TV station from Basarabeasca, LV-Topal Ltd Project manager: Vladimir TOPAL, director $7,570

Grantee: NTS station from Taraclia, Urania FM Ltd Project manager: Vasilii CASSA, director $6,890

Grantee: TV Prim station from Glodeni, Megan TV JSC Project manager: Arcadie MAICAN, director $7,570

Grantee: Art TV station from Străşeni, Art Club Ltd Project manager: Dumitru TRIBOI, director $7,570

Grantee: Albasat station from Nisporeni, Albasat Ltd Project manager: Efim BARDAN, director $7,570

Grantee: Studio-L station from Căuşeni, Studio-L Ltd Project manager: Ghenadie LUPACESCU, director $7,570

Grantee: Impuls TV station from Şoldăneşti, Dalan Ltd Project manager: Victor SOFRONI, director $7,570

Grantee: Canal-X station from Briceni, Canal X Ltd Project manager: Piotr CONDRATCHI, director $7,570

Grantee: AVM station from Edineţ, AVM Ltd Project manager: Vladimir GUMENIUC, studio manager $7,570

Grantee: Flor TV station from Floreşti, Flor TV Ltd Project manager: Valeriu POSTOLACHI, director $7,570

Grantee: TVD from Donduşeni, SERVTV Ltd Project manager: Victor CIUMAC, director $6,890

Grantee: Euronova from Ungheni, TV Euronova Ltd Project manager: Efim BARDAN, director $6,890

Grantee: ATV from Comrat, Bizim Aidinik Ltd Project manager: Elizaveta ROTARI, director $6,890

Grantee: Aiin Aciic from Ciadîr-Lunga, Aiin Aciic Ltd Project manager: Liubovi CASÎM, director $6,890

Beneficiary: Central studio of the Radio/TV network $7,420 (operational budget)

$110, 000 – NMF, OSF funds

Project 4: Financial Support for Procurement of Production and Broadcasting Equipment Given to Five Radio and Four TV Stations, New Members of the Radio/TV Network

Grants

Grantee: Radio Mingir from Mingir, Hînceşti district, Info-Mingir NGO Project manager: Vitalie ŞELARU, director $4,050

Grantee: Plus FM from Sîngerei, Inforustic Ltd Project manager: Ştefan SOLTAN, editor-in-chief $3,500

Grantee: Flor FM from Floreşti, Flor TV Ltd Project manager: Valeriu POSTOLACHI, director $5,550

Grantee: Canal-X FM from Briceni, Canal-X Ltd Project manager: Piotr CONDRAŢCHII, director $5,550

Grantee: Impuls FM from Şoldăneşti, Impuls TV Ltd Project manager: Victor SOFRONII, director $4,500

Grantee: Euronova from Ungheni, TV Euronova Ltd Project manager: Efim BARDAN, director $6,870

Grantee: ATV from Comrat, Bizim Aidinik Ltd Project manager: Elizaveta ROTARI, director $6,870

Grantee: Aiin Aciic from Ciadîr-Lunga, Aiin Aciic Ltd Project manager: Liubovi CASÎM, director $6,870

Grantee: TVD from Donduşeni, SERVTV Ltd Project manager: Victor CIUMAC, director $6,870

$50,630 – SFM/core funds

Project 5: Digital Television: Expectations and Challenges The training course organized on December 19, 2009, aimed to acquaint the representatives of

61 regional TV stations with different technical and organizational aspects related to the transition to digital television.

According to the time frame approved during the Regional Radio-communication Conference from Geneva, analogical broadcasting in Moldova is to be ceased and transition to digital television is to be completed by June 17, 2015. It is planned that the Audiovisual Code will be amended to include chapter IX on the Implementation of Digital Television. In 2010, the materials provided by experts, Veaceslav PASCAL, technical director at Radio Communication JSC, and Evghenii SESTACOV, deputy director, National Center for Radio Frequencies, were translated and distributed to regional TV stations. $1,069

Total Subprogram 1 expenditures: $765,180

SUBPROGRAM 2: SUPPORT FOR MEDIA DEVELOPMENT IN TRANSNISTRIA

Establishing a Web TV Video Production Station: Dnestr TV in Tighina Grantee: Novaia Volna Ltd, Tighina Project manager: Grigori VOLOVOI, director

The purpose of the project implemented during March 1, 2010 – February 28, 2011 is to set up a TV studio in Tighina and to extend its activity by producing qualitative TV news and programs, which will be exchanged within the TV network and broadcast by regional TV stations from the Republic of Moldova. In order to achieve this goal, it was planned to purchase and install the necessary equipment and software and to set up a production team that will work directly on news and general programming (1 reporter, 1 operator and 1 editor).

The Internet TV station made a commitment to produce and offer to the network two news bulletins per week and a monthly community interest program starting with the fifth month of the project implementation. All programming will be exchanged with local and regional TV stations via the network and Internet at www.dnestr.tv. $24,610 – SFM/core funds

Total Subprogram 2 expenditures: $24,610

SUBPROGRAM 3: LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Grants

Strengthening the Broadcasting System in the Republic of Moldova through Improvement of the Legal Framework and Regulations in the Area Grantee: Broadcasting Coordinating Council Project manager: Dinu CIOCAN Assistance was provided to the Broadcasting Coordinating Council in the organization of the training course in "Quality of News Bulletins: Ensuring Pluralism of Opinions, Political and Social Balance" which took place on October 21-22, in Chişinău. The main objective of the training was to develop a Common Monitoring Card for news and current event programming, which would be used by broadcasters, the Broadcasting Coordinating Council, monitors and the civil society. The leading trainer, Marek MRACKA, representatives of APEL, CIJ, public broadcasters (Moldova 1, RPIA Teleradio-Găgăuzia), and private broadcasters participated in debates regarding the use, efficiency and content of the Common Monitoring Card which could be used in monitoring news and current event programming. Later, the Common Monitoring Card was developed and is currently used by BCC. $10,599 – SFM/core funds

Operational projects

Training Course for Members of the Meridian Association of Regional Broadcasters July 27-31, IT-Relax Training Center, Vadul-lui-Vodă The purpose of the training course was to assist regional broadcasters in establishing the Association of Regional Broadcasters, strengthen the member stations by increasing their knowledge and awareness on their performance, their institutional/social and market position and on issues of policy, legislation of the media sector. The Canadian trainer, Gordana SIVRAC, provided an in-depth assessment of the current status of the Association and examined the strengths and weaknesses of its management, providing an intensive and practical on-the-job training on management and strategic sustainable goals. The training was organized with support from the Press-Now, The Netherlands. 14 participants, members of the Association of Regional Broadcasters $5,478

Training Course in Organizing TV Electoral Debates, November 1-2, IT-Relax Training Center, Vadul-lui-Vodă The goal of the training was to provide a quick insight into the organization of electoral debates for the journalists of regional TV stations. The topics covered in the training included: legal provisions and professional standards in the organization of electoral debates by broadcasting institutions; methodology of organization of debates according to the editorial policy of each station participating in the training; drafting the detailed schedule of a talk show, etc. Each trainee presented his/her own scenario for a debate and participated in a simulation of a real-life 25 minute-electoral talk show production which included planning, assignment of participants, preparation of the filming space, and installation of the necessary equipment (cameras, lights). The training concluded with a group watch of the programming and analysis of each piece.

6 participants, journalists from local radio and TV stations Moderator: Ion BUNDUCHI $858 – SFM/core funds

Training Course in the Art of Speech (Public Speaking), November 29-30, December 1-2, Moldtelecom Training Center, Ivancea Two workshops in public speaking were organized for the first time for journalists of radio and TV stations in Romanian and Russian. The workshops covered a wide variety of topics including communication, speech flexibility, diction (clear pronunciation, phonetics and grammar), optimization of sound articulation mechanisms, voice volume, speech speed, articulation challenges, etc. The training was based on practical exercises, which included breathing, tongue-twisters, etc.

41 participants, journalists from local radio and TV stations Trainers: Tamara BERZOI, Vera GRIGORIEV $4,094 – SFM/core funds

Total Subprogram 3 expenditures: $21,029

SUBPROGRAM 4: CAPACITY BUILDING FOR THE PUBLIC BROADCASTING SERVICE

Grants

Monitoring the Coverage of Issues of Major Social Concern (Constitutional Referendum, Early Parliamentary Debates, Election of the Başcan of ATU Gagauz Yeri) by the NPIA Teleradio- Moldova Company and RPIA Teleradio-Gagauzia Company during the Pre-electoral, Electoral and Post-electoral Periods Grantee: Association of Electronic Press of Moldova Project manager: Ion BUNDUCHI The goal of the project is to monitor the activity of the national and regional public broadcasters: NPIA Teleradio Moldova Company and RPIA Teleradio Gagauzia Company and to motivate these media companies to function according to their statutes and missions when reflecting issues of major social concern, such as the Constitutional Referendum, Early Parliamentary Debates, Election of the Başcan of ATU Gagauz Yeri. The monitoring aims to: - raise public awareness on the covered issues - create partnerships with the Council of Observers and administrations of the public broadcasters and ensuring their commitment to maintaining the common radio and TV programming quality standards - gather reference data in the programming of public broadcasters during elections - build organizational capacity for monitoring

The monitoring results were made public during press-conferences, in reports and press-releases which can be viewed at www.apel.md. $26,384 – SFM/core funds

Strengthening the Public Radio and TV Broadcasting Service through Improving the Internal and External Regulatory Framework (Project in progress) Grantee: Association of Electronic Press of Moldova Project manager: Ion BUNDUCHI The project aimed at analyzing the new organizational structure of the Teleradio-Moldova Company established for 2010-2015, the job descriptions for the key personnel, and drafting conclusions and recommendations. The Association of Electronic Press of Moldova aims to set up mechanisms for personnel evaluation and performance analysis, analyze the Teleradio Moldova Action Plan for 2011 and the Monitoring Regulation of programming, and amend it in order to increase the efficiency of the company. $9,966 – SFM/core funds

Operational projects

Round-table "TRM: The Beginning of a Future (Challenges and Opportunities)" October 7, Soros Foundation-Moldova, Chişinău The roundtable aimed at gathering potential and current supporters of the NPIA Teleradio Moldova and its reforms initiated by the new administration of the company in 2010. The topics covered at the roundtable included: presentation of strategies on the transformation of the Teleradio Moldova Company into a public broadcaster, editorial policies of the National TV Channel Moldova 1, the needs of the National Public Broadcasting Company Teleradio Moldova as identified by the Association of Electronic Press, based on program content monitoring, etc.

24 participants, representatives of NPIA Teleradio Moldova, Embassies of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Unites States of America, Kingdom of Sweden, Romania, OSCE, CIJ, Swedish Radio, Sida, etc.

Moderator: Viorel URSU, Project Analyst, Open Society Institute-Brussels $1,226 – SFM/core funds

Total Subprogram 4 expenditures: $37,576

OTHER INITIATIVES

Footprint of Financial Crisis on the Media: Moldova Country Report Author: Ion BUNDUCHI Commissioned by OSI This Open Society Foundations, Media Program study explores the impact of the financial crisis on media and news delivery to citizens in 18 countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, including the Republic of Moldova. The study looks at media performance in 2009 compared with the previous three years, explores the cost-saving measures taken by significant news carriers, and the effects of these measures on output, breadth and depth of coverage, scope of investigative reporting, and opportunities for open public debate.

The full report can be viewed at: http://www.soros.org/initiatives/media/articles_publications/publications/financial-crisis-media- 20091201/moldova-20091201.pdf $1,850

Summer School „Youth in the 21st Century: Debating and Producing Media”, June 28-July 11, Vadul-lui-Vodă. Grantee: Center for Independent Journalism Project manager: Nadine GOGU, Executive Director, CIJ The project, commissioned by OSI and implemented by CIJ in partnership with the National Debate League, aimed to provide young people from an international background the opportunity to learn about current issues, debate them, and produce media projects about the relationship between the media and society. Ten participants, aged 18-29, debated issues relating to how the media and youth interact and should interact as well as what role this relationship plays in the society at large. Additionally, participants conducted a research and had the chance to interact with local and regional experts in the journalism field. As a result, the participants improved their skills in actually producing new media by learning from instructors and making their own “new media” projects. $4,500 – OSF funds

Other program expenditures: -$1,530 Program administration expenditures: $21,588 Total Media Program expenditures: $874,803

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND GOOD GOVERNANCE PROGRAM

Vision: An efficient, modern and transparent public administration system and s trong civil society organizations that keep the government accountable for its actions

Context: - weak capacity of civil society to carry out monitoring and advocacy activities, and thus, to keep the government accountable for its actions - a low degree of transparency in the work of public administration at local and national level - poor progress in implementing the central public administration reform - poorly trained public officials unable to face current challenges - insufficient literacy and public interest for public finance management - a prolonged political crisis and chained electoral campaigns - poor progress in implementing sustainable reforms and providing quality public services at local and national level

In 2010, in accordance with its strategy, the Public Administration and Good Governance Program (PAGGP) carried out activities in the following two key areas: - Good Governance - Transparent Public Finance

Several projects implemented during 2010 are worth being highlighted.

The first independent report on Monitoring the CPA Reform Implementation launched by the Program in 2008 that evaluated the first four years of the reform implementation (2006 - 2009) was successfully presented to all interested stakeholders in May 2010. Later, the Program launched the second CPA Reform Monitoring Report aimed to evaluate the progress achieved in the period of October 2009 - November 2010.

In view of enhancing local and central government’s transparency and openness towards citizens, the Program offered support for creating two on-line databases: 1) The “Fair Play” Database comprising official documents to help profiling public servants, including top officials from the government, parliament and the judiciary, with a view to keeping public officials accountable for their actions and public image; 2) The “Legal Chişinău On-line” offering access to all decisions and legal documents that have been issued by the Chişinău local authorities since 1991.

In order to strengthen the government’s capacity to respond to Moldova’s current challenges by formulating coherent and realistic reform-oriented policies, PAGGP supported several projects on public policy expert support, such as monthly independent expert analysis and f orecast on t he evolution of 15 basic fields of national economy.

In the context of the snap parliamentary elections, the Program continued implementing projects designed to advance citizens’ participation in the electoral process and to raise awareness on t he importance of a well-informed electoral choice, as well as to increase political parties’ accountability toward the Moldovan people. The Civic Initiative for a Clean Parliament re-launched the “Meet Your Candidate” Campaign in light of the November parliamentary elections. This initiative was created by seven well-known local NGOs that joined efforts to conduct investigations on the electoral candidates, thus contributing to forming a more upright political class. At the same time, the Program implemented, in partnership with the Chişinău Municipality City Hall, the “Check Electoral Lists Online!” project. This online application created in 2009 offered citizens from Chişinău the possibility to check the electoral lists and to submit complaints when encountering errors. The fall edition of the Public Opinion Barometer was issued to check citizens’ perceptions of political events, September constitutional referendum and their expectations from the recurrent political changes. The Local Government Watchdog Activities Project was continued with a view to stimulating civic participation in monitoring public finance management and t o keeping LGs accountable for their actions. Due to the successful results achieved in 2009 and 2010, a new grant was awarded to

68 continue the local budget monitoring activities, paying particular attention to increasing the project’s visibility and impact through advocacy activities and establishing partnerships between NGOs, media and active citizens.

Taking into account the progress registered during the previous few years, the Program continued its efforts to strengthen local authorities’ capacity in rendering better public services. The Technical Assistance and Expert Support for LGs Project contained two major components, one focusing on providing training in various priority fields identified by public authorities, and second – supporting certain components of the Chişinău Municipality Development Project implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Chişinău City Hall.

Program Director: Olga CRIVOLIUBIC, Email: [email protected] Program Coordinator: Diana ZAHARIA, Email: [email protected] Program Assistant: Denis BORDIAN, Email: [email protected]

List of Acronyms:

ADEPT Association for Participatory Democracy IDSI Viitorul Viitorul Institute for Development and Social Initiatives LG Local Government CPA Central Public Administration LGI/OSI Budapest Local Government Initiative/Open Society Institute Budapest NGO Nongovernmental organization OSI Open Society Institute PAGGP Public Administration and Good Governance Program UNDP United Nations Development Program

SUBPROGRAM 1: GOOD GOVERNANCE

Objectives: - to respond to identified needs for strengthening civil society capacity in monitoring government activity at central and local level - to foster government’s capacity to respond to Moldova’s current challenges by formulating coherent and realistic reform-oriented policies - to promote the principles of transparency and accountability for all public institutions - to encourage local and central government’s openness towards citizens and civil society - to stimulate citizens’ participation in the electoral process and ens ure a well informed and grounded vote

Grants: Promoting Good Governance through Independent Economic Analysis and Forecasting Grantee: Expert – Group Project manager: Valeriu PROHNIŢCHI Summary: The project aims at improving the Moldovan government’s activity and economic policies by offering periodical, professional and unbiased economic analysis and forecasting on 15 basic fields of national economy to decision-makers and c ivil society. This exercise is being done through the promotion of the best policy solutions to social and economic problems and through dialogue between the governmental and social actors based on analytical conclusions and statistical data. The project contributed to achieving the PAGGP’s objectives of improving knowledge about economic and social policies, transforming the decision-making process in Moldova in a more transparent one and stimulating a qualitative dialogue between the governmental sector and civil society. The project time frame is 12 months and is expected to be finalized in June 2011. $39,882

"Fair Play" Database Grantee: Centre for Analysis and Prevention of Corruption Project manager: Galina BOSTAN Summary: The project provides for the creation of an on-line database that will include official documents, the income and conflict of interest declarations, to help profiling public servants, including top officials from the government, parliament and the judiciary with a view to keeping public officials accountable for their actions and public image. The project helps to access easily the information of increased public interest and contributes to an effective implementation of certain anti-corruption legislation: the Law on the conflict of interests, Law on return and control of income, on property of public officials, the Electoral Code, etc. The project will also offer support for NGOs and journalists’ activities targeted to monitor the activity of public servants holding positions with an increased level of responsibility. The database is expected to be launched by April 2011. $42,310

Operational projects: “Check the Electoral Lists Online!” Taking into account the importance of both electoral campaigns held in 2010, PAGG continued implementing this project in partnership with the Chişinău City Hall aimed at increasing citizens’ participation in the electoral process. The on-line application developed in 2009 and posted on the Chişinău Municipality City Hall website offered Chişinău citizens the possibility to check if they had been registered in the electoral list, the number of voters in their place of residence and the address of the polling station. The application also allowed citizens to submit complaints when detecting errors in the electoral lists. During the last two electoral campaigns, the application had a h igh number of visitors and a total of 924 edits of the electoral lists were made through this application. Thus, the project contributed to strengthening LGs’ capacity to provide more efficient and transparent public services and also to increasing the transparency of the electoral process and civic participation at the local level. The project was highly appreciated by the Central Election Commission and Chişinău authorities. $10,164

Public Opinion Barometer This is one of the most acknowledged public opinion polls, conducted in Moldova that has gained the trust of the public during the years. The poll checks Moldovan citizens’ perception with regard to a

70 large spectrum of issues including the electoral and political expectations; the impact of the economic crisis and the overall economic situation of the country; most preferred media channels and most trusted institutions; the main information sources and the frequency and amount of books read by those questioned, etc. In 2010 two editions of the Barometer were issued and presented to the public. $26,943

Evaluation of the Central Public Administration Reform In May 2010, the first independent monitoring report on CPA Reform implementation launched by the Program in 2008 was successfully presented to all interested stakeholders. The report was developed by 12 independent experts who evaluated the first four years of the reform implementation (2006 - 2009). It was designed as an alternative analysis to governmental reports. The independent experts’ report presented an objective and critical view on the actions undertaken during those four years and highlighting some serious drawbacks in the reform implementation process and f ormulating recommendations for its enhancement. Considering the importance of this reform, in September 2010, the Program launched the second CPA Reform Monitoring Report to evaluate the progress achieved in the period October 2009 - November 2010. In October a group of five experts, coordinated by an NGO, was selected to draft this report. Because of the parliamentary elections and their aftermath, the initial submission deadline of the report was not met and thus the final report will be issued and presented in March 2011. $44,873

Technical Assistance and Expertise for LGs IV This is the fourth phase of this project that aimed at strengthening public authorities’ capacity for rendering better public services. Thus, around 60 b eneficiaries, the representatives of the Chişinău Municipality City Hall and its District Subdivisions attended various training courses, such as computer course, legal training in four areas (Legal claims/disputes, Labor Code, Code on C ontravention procedures, Law on T ransparency in the Decision-making Process), secretarial affairs and E nglish language. Because of the fall electoral campaigns, not all the training courses were completed and some will continue over the first half of 2011. $7,075

Mixed Projects:

“Meet your Candidate!” The Civic Initiative for a Clean Parliament (CIPC) was launched in November 2008 by seven prominent local NGOs: Access Info Center for Promotion of Access to Information, ADEPT Association for Participatory Democracy, Association for Independent Press, Center for Analysis and Prevention of Corruption, Center for Investigative Journalism, Independent Journalism Center and Soros Foundation-Moldova. Its purpose was to raise awareness on the importance of a well-informed electoral choice, as well as to increase Moldovan political parties’ accountability towards voters. The main activity of the project was to conduct investigations on the election contestants of the main political parties to observe if they comply with the seven integrity criteria put forward by the Initiative. In 2010, in the context of November early parliamentary elections campaign, a group of investigative journalists monitored around 200 candidates contesting a parliamentary mandate. The list was made up based on the electoral prospects of political parties registered for the campaign. The final version was double checked by a group of lawyers, by three reviewers, as well as by the members of the Initiative. In parallel, a media campaign of the Initiative was conducted. As a result, according to the initial plan, 200,000 leaflets „Meet Your Candidate!” enlisting 30 c andidates who had n ot met the integrity criteria were printed (150,000 in Romanian and 50,000 in Russian) and were due to be distributed after a pr ess conference announcing the monitoring results. However, the integral distribution of the leaflets was not possible as the CICP was sued by several candidates and, as a precautionary measure the Court distrained the overall leaflet distribution. Thus, only 22,300 leaflets were distributed before the issuance of the aforementioned Court decision. The members of the Initiative appealed the Court decisions and the cases are currently being examined in the Court. $80,671

Study Visit to the Agency for Economic Policies, Tbilisi, Georgia The study visit of five representatives of the Chişinău City Hall and the Chişinău Municipality Council to the Agency for Economic Policies from Tbilisi pursued an exchange of experience in establishing a

71 similar Municipal Development Agency in Chişinău. The creation of this Agency is envisaged in the 2010-2012 Anti-Crisis and Economic Recovery Action Plan for the Chişinău Municipality, developed with the PAGGP support in the framework of the UNDP’s Chişinău Municipality Development Project, approved by the Chişinău Municipality Council on September 23, 2010. The members of the Moldovan delegation had a series of meetings with their counterparts in Tbilisi, including the Mayor, the members of the City Hall Council, the representatives of the Ministry of Economy, the staff of the Tbilisi Economic Policy Agency. As a r esult of this study visit, the participants have gained more experience for the implementation of the measures enlisted in the aforementioned Anti-Crisis and Economic Recovery Action Plan. $6,890

Donors’ Partnership:

Chişinău Municipality Development Project In 2008, the PAGGP decided to join efforts with UNDP to implement the Chişinău Municipality Development Project. Provided that the project was mainly financed by UNDP and the project staff was hired particularly for this purpose, PAGG signed a c ost-share agreement, thus transferring its share of the budget to be administered by UNDP. In 2010 PAGGP offered support for the development of the Chisinau Municipality Institutional Development Action Plan and extending the “E- document Management" system, implemented in the Chişinău City Hall, at the level of five municipal districts. $39,171

Total Subprogram 1 expenditures: $297,979

SUBPROGRAM 2: TRANSPARENT PUBLIC FINANCE

Objectives: - improving public finance management and increasing transparency in this field - strengthening civil society’s monitoring and watchdog capacity with regard to public finance management

Grants:

Study on the Transparency and Economic Efficiency of the National Medical Insurance Company Funds and the Environment Funds Grantee: Expert-Grup Analytical Center Project manager: Valeriu PROHNIŢCHI Summary: The project envisages development of two comprehensive studies on the economic efficiency and financial transparency in the utilization of public funds in two sectors of an increased public importance: health protection (referring to the National Medical Insurance Company /NMIC) and environmental protection (referring to the National Environment Fund and local funds /EF). The aim of this project is to inform the public at large and relevant authorities and decision-makers about the results of this study and to develop recommendations for increasing the efficiency in using these funds. The research was started in December 2010 and will be issued and presented in June 2011. $47,546

Local Government Watchdog Activities This project was designed with a view to strengthening civil society capacity to serve as a watchdog over local government performance, to increase the level of transparency with regard to local public finance management, and to stimulate civic participation in the local budgetary decision-making process. In 2010 four grants awarded at the end of 2009 (for reference - see the 2009 report) were successfully implemented, except for the project implemented in Căuşeni where the reluctance of local authorities to cooperate led to serious dissensions with the project implementation team that affected the project activities. In all other cases the Program received a positive feedback from local NGOs, community, media involved in the projects and LG s from some localities. As a r esult of the implemented activities, the reports presented by the beneficiaries revealed an increased interest of citizens for budget related issues and more transparency and openness of local authorities, except for the project in Căuşeni. One of the most successful projects, mostly due to the involvement of the media in the monitoring activities and a better developed advocacy component, was the project “Keep the Government Accountable for Public Money!” implemented by the A ssociation for Independent Press. Therefore, the PAGGP decided to continue supporting this initiative in 2011 as well.

Monitoring and Controlling Public Money Spending in Chişinău and Bălţi Grantee: Association for Independent Press Project manager: Petru MACOVEI Summary: The project format was changed to enhance its impact and v isibility; however it will continue using the slogan “Keep the Government Accountable for Public Money!” The project will be implemented during 2011 and the budget monitoring activities will focus on Chişinău and Bălţi municipalities where most financial resources and operations are concentrated. The monitoring teams will enlist representatives of local media, NGOs and active citizens who will be trained in budget monitoring techniques. An important element will be the advocacy component that includes periodical coverage of the campaign in the media (local newspapers, a radio and TV-channel) and producing a documentary reflecting the project activities, findings and conclusions. $59,925

Legal Chişinău Online: Open Access to Public Documents Grantee: Public Law Library Project manager: Mariana HARJEVSCHI Summary: This project targets the development of a user-friendly database to offer public access to all the decisions and legal documents issued by Chişinău local authorities starting with 1991. As such a comprehensive and inclusive database does not exist at present, its creation will facilitate access to official information for the public at large in Chişinău. The documents unavailable in an electronic format will be scanned and included in the database. The project will offer an information resource to the general public about the decision-making process and b y such will improve the knowledge of

Chişinău inhabitants about legal procedures and will make the decision-making process more transparent. The database will be officially launched in March 2011. $24,645

Mixed Projects:

Public Budget Monitoring This project aimed to develop civil society’s literacy regarding budgetary issues and to monitor government activity on public spending. The preparatory activities started in 2008, when a group of experts were trained in monitoring and advocacy techniques. At the same time, a gui de on t he budgetary process of Moldova was developed to be used by journalists and NGO representatives who tackle public finance related issues in their professional activity, as well as for the academic institutions and the general public. In 2009, three NGOs were selected to monitor three different areas of the public budget, as mentioned below: - Investigation on the Transparency and Economic Efficiency of the Road Fund of the Republic of Moldova Grantee: Expert-Group Independent Analytical Center - The Efficiency of the Public Budget in Social Field Grantee: Center for Assistance for Public Authorities - Monitoring Local and National Fund for Social Support for the People in Need Grantee: CASE Moldova Foundation for Social and Economic Research All the three studies were issued and presented to interested stakeholders by September 2010. Operating budget for publishing and presentation: $2,507

Total Subprogram 2 expenditures: $34,623

Program administration expenditures: $17,089 Total Public Administration and Good Governance expenditures: $449,691

LAW PROGRAM

Mission: The Program promotes legal reforms based on human rights, legal accountability, social inclusion and good governance.

Context: 2010 proved to be a very challenging year for Moldova. The current government`s openness and willingness to bring changes offers a series of new opportunities but also challenges to the people. After eight years of authoritarian rule, the new government started to promote a different way of governance: it created new expectations and raised the public interest in getting engaged in matters of public concern. The launching of new media and the gradual reform of the public radio and TV offers great opportunities for increasing transparency in the country. This new political and media environment also creates excellent possibilities for enhancing the public scrutiny over the justice system and over the governmental policies focused on effective human rights protection and promotion of access to justice.

The Moldovans were engaged in two parliamentary elections during 2009, one national referendum and one parliamentary election in 2010. All these elections were accompanied by democracy, rule of law and human rights discourse. As a result, we face the risk of a rights-discourse fatigue and a general disappointment in the promised reforms, which on an individual level, often equals with democracy bringing trouble and lack of stability. The results of the reforms are still to be seen because the Republic of Moldova suffers severely from corruption and a chronic lack of adequate financial and human resources. This situation is especially visible in the justice field. On the one hand, the level of public trust in justice delivery and law enforcement agencies is dangerously low. On the other hand, people don’t frequently make a connection between their ability to know and protect their rights and the precarious conditions of their lives. The lack of the population’s understanding of the benefits of democracy and of the basic rights needs to be tackled. Hence effective access to justice and legal empowerment is crucially important to demonstrate the viability and positive sides of democratic governance.

The feeling of impunity after the April 2009 events increased the already high level of the population’s perception of lack of personal security when in contact with law enforcement agencies. This reinforces the Program’s work on existing mechanisms for the evaluation of the criminal justice actors’ performance. The program advocates for the insertion of public opinion and human rights performance into the official system of their professional evaluation. The new dynamics of the EU- Moldova integration process and the respective EU-Moldova Human Rights Dialogue provide a great opportunity for advancing concrete reforms in the human rights and justice fields, especially when based on professional monitoring and research.

Specific objectives: - to strengthen civil society capacity to monitor and implement human rights in practice and use the monitoring findings in promoting human rights friendly governmental policies - to strengthen the government capacity to develop criminal justice policies based on human rights and good governance principles - to support the development of justice sector institutions that ensure equal and effective access to justice of all in need - to build and support the legal capacity of organizations and individuals for using the law effectively in promoting and protecting the public interest and individual rights, ensuring an effective monitoring of the decision-making process and transparency.

In 2010, the Law Program of the Soros Foundation-Moldova continued to apply its strategies and instruments to address pressing issues in three main areas: access to justice, effectiveness of the criminal justice system, and human rights monitoring.

The Law Program achieved the following results in these areas:

- functional legal aid management institutions – National Legal Aid Council and its territorial offices, able to adequately assess the legal aid needs and adopt appropriate policies to meet these needs, - public defenders providing holistic representation and strategic litigation, - a pilot project initiated on establishing a network of paralegals providing basic legal and social services at community level, - increased awareness about rights and increased participation in public life of ordinary citizens, - new performance indicators for police developed, - a national victimization survey carried out and the extent to which the people of Moldova experience crime estimated and their perceptions about criminal justice measured, - recommendations made for improving the quality of judiciary developed with special focus on investigative judges, - a network of NGOs and individuals trained in human rights monitoring techniques.

Program Director: Victor MUNTEANU, Email: [email protected] Financial Manager: Marcel VARMARI, Email: [email protected] Program Coordinator: Iurie CUZA, Email: [email protected] Program Coordinator: Diana MARIAN, Email: [email protected] Program Coordinator: Radu DANII, Email: [email protected] Program Assistant: Tatiana DANILESCU, Email: [email protected]

List of Acronyms:

NLAC National Legal Aid Council PDO Public Defenders’ Office LARN Legal Aid Reformers’ Network

SUBPROGRAM 1: ACCESS TO JUSTICE

Objective: to assist the government in reforming the legal aid system in line with international human rights standards and best practices.

Operational project:

Promoting a Sustainable Legal Aid System in Moldova Summary: The project aims to strengthen the capacity of the legal aid system in the country to provide more accessible and qualitative legal services and advice to the poor people. The project focuses on enhancing the capacity of the National Legal Aid Council to analyze legal aid needs, to estimate the necessary costs and human resources and advocate for appropriate governmental policies and resources. The project supports PDO to develop new standards of defense focusing on holistic representation and strategic litigation. It also advocates for amendments to the law on guaranteed legal aid and appropriate policies to strengthen the independence and administrative capacity of NLAC. Project time frame: 24 months: December 2009 – December 2011. $41,992

Grants awarded within the project:

Diversification of Legal Aid Methods and Promotion of Quality Standards Piloted by Public Defenders Grantee: Public Defenders’ Office Project manager: Igor CIOBANU Summary: The Public Defenders’ Office continued to provide legal aid in criminal cases for the poor. In 2010 the Public Defenders’ Office achieved the following results: - developed and piloted minimum legal aid quality standards; - piloted holistic representation methods in four cases and strategic litigation in five selected cases that reveal the systemic gaps in the criminal justice and legal aid system; - organized two roundtables with the representatives of the criminal justice system in order to discuss the systemic gaps identified within the system. $125,200

Capacity Building of the National Legal Aid Council Grantee: Chişinău Territorial Office, National Legal Aid Council Project manager: Lilian DARII Summary: The project aims to strengthen the operational and managerial capacities of the National Legal Aid Council and its territorial offices. The National Legal Aid Strategy for 2010-2012 and the detailed Action Plans for 2010 were developed and approved by the NLAC at the beginning of 2010. The members of NLAC, the Territorial Offices’ Coordinators and NLAC consultants attended training sessions in communication, raising awareness and advocacy mechanisms aiming to promote the new legal aid system and to ensure that the government makes the necessary efforts to keep it accessible and non – discriminatory. $84,800

Study Visit to the South African Legal Aid System’s Main Institutions, February, 6 - 14 Participants: Igor CIOBANU, Nadejda HRIPTIEVSCHI, Mihai LUPU, Ion PĂDURARU, Gheorghe SUSARENCO, Victor ZAHARIA, Vadim PISTRINCIUC, Iurie CUZA, Marcel VARMARI, Victor MUNTEANU Summary: The project sought to increase the access to justice of vulnerable groups in Moldova through know-how transfer and promotion of an inclusive and evidence-based legal aid policymaking process. It aimed to facilitate the access of civil society representatives to the state’s policy and practices of legal empowerment and aid for the most marginalized layers of the society following the unique experience of South Africa. $11,484

Total Subprogram 1 expenditures: $263,476

SUBPROGRAM 2: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Objectives: - to establish mechanisms for continuous and professional monitoring of the criminal justice system - to develop new performance indicators for criminal justice agencies - to conduct a national victimization survey - to monitor the observance of human rights during the pre-trial phase and analyze practices related to pre-trial detention and other preventive measures used in the country.

Operational project:

Securing a Fair and Rational Criminal Justice System for All in Moldova Summary: The project goal is to establish a mechanism for contributing to an increased fairness and confidence in the criminal justice system in the country by creating conditions for a more rational policymaking process with due focus on human rights. The following activities were implemented during 2010: - the first ever victimization and public confidence survey was conducted and made public; - a sociological survey on the level of victimization of the Moldovan population was conducted and launched; - an empirical research study on the pre-trail stage of the criminal process with a special focus on police apprehension was developed.

Publishing within the project:

Victimization and Public Confidence Survey Summary: The report is based on the analysis of a national survey of the population of Moldova, which was done during March - April 2010. The main objectives of the research were to: - identify trends in the perception of crime; - reveal perceptions of personal safety and of performance of relevant state institutions; - study the extent of victimization of the population; - measure reporting rates for crimes reported to the police and barriers to the reporting; - identify measures taken by the population to protect themselves from crimes, as well as the impact of these measures; - develop practical recommendations in order to improve trust in and the functioning of the criminal justice system. The report was drafted by the international expert, Jean REDPATH, assisted by the Justice Program’s team.

Sociological Study: The Level of Population’s Victimization in the Republic of Moldova Summary: The study presents in a detailed sociological manner the findings of a nationwide survey on the victimization of the Moldovan population, which was conducted during March and April 2010. The study was developed by the national expert, Ludmila MALCOCI, assisted by the Soros Foundation-Moldova`s Criminal Justice Analytical Group. Total project expenditures: $144,150

Grant:

Study Visit of the Soros Foundation-Moldova`s Criminal Justice Analytical Group to Justice UK, a Think Tank Based in London, Great Britain, April 16-21 Grantees and beneficiaries: Nadejda HRIPTIEVSCHI, Vasile ROTARU, Mihaela VIDAICU, Olimpia GRIBINCEA, Victor ZAHARIA, Radu DANII, Marcel VARMARI, Victor MUNTEANU Summary: The goal of the visit was to build up the Analytical Group`s capacities for using advocacy techniques aimed towards changing state policies, improvement of legislation and promotion of human rights within the criminal justice process following best international experience. $8,099

Total Subprogram 2 expenditures: $152,249

SUBPROGRAM 3: JUDICIAL DEVELOPMENT

Objective: to raise awareness about systemic gaps in justice delivery leading to frequent violations of the right to liberty and a fair trial.

Operational project:

Assessing the Needs of Investigative Judges in Moldova Summary: This project was implemented in collaboration with the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (IRZ) and aimed to assess the needs of the investigative judge institution in Moldova. An international expert got familiar with the relevant national legal resources and documents. He also had thematic meetings with magistrates and other stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice, the Superior Council of Magistrates and the General Prosecutor`s Office. The expert developed the report based on the analysis of the information he had collected. It contains detailed recommendations both for the judicial system and for the government on ways of improving observance of the rights to liberty and a fair trial when applying preliminary measures, including pre- trial arrest within the criminal process. $5,377

Grant:

Working Visit of a Moldovan delegation to Bonn, Germany, November 08-11 Grantees and beneficiaries: Vladimir GROSU, Dina ROTARCIUC, Radu DANII, Victor MUNTEANU Summary: The goal of this working visit was to finalize the needs assessment report for investigative judges in Moldova with the participation of and input from Moldovan experts. $1,693

Total Subprogram 3 expenditures: $7,070

SUBPROGRAM 4: HUMAN RIGHTS MONITORING

Objective: to increase the capacities and skills of human rights activists to monitor and report on human rights observance and violation in a comprehensive, multidimensional and analytical manner.

Grant:

Justice Delivery Monitoring in Cases Related to the Events of April 7, 2009 Grantee: Moldovan Institute for Human Rights Project manager: Vanu JEREGHI Summary: The project aims to remove the existing mechanism of impunity for torture through justice delivery monitoring and raising social awareness and intolerance. The Moldovan Institute for Human Rights will monitor the hearings on cases related to the events of April 7, 2009 and will take actions that will lead to revealing impunity ensurance schemes. $39,800

Operational project:

Capacitating Moldovan Human Rights Activists for Effective Human Rights Advocacy Summary: This project aims to capacitate a group of key human rights activists to conceptualize and produce high quality analytical human rights reports and briefs and undertake advocacy efforts for change. During the reported period, two coaches and 13 fellows were selected and the first training session was organized. Individual Professional Development Plans were developed according to fellows’ interests and area of expertise. Project time frame: June 1, 2010 – November 30, 2011 $38,202

Total Subprogram 4 expenditures: $78,002

OTHER PROJECTS

Programs financed by the Open Society Justice Initiative – OSJI/OSI/ HRGGP Network Program, administered by the Justice Program of the Soros Foundation-Moldova

Networking among the Newly Established Legal Aid Institutions, Policymakers and Public Defenders in Bulgaria, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia and Ukraine Summary: The project builds on the experience of the Open Society Justice Initiative in creating an informal network of public defenders, joined later on by legal aid managers, in some countries of its operation including Bulgaria, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia and Ukraine. Legal aid reforms are underway in all these countries, largely initiated as a result of local Soros Foundations’ advocacy and demonstrating projects, in cooperation with the Open Society Justice Initiative. The current project seeks to offer a platform for a continuous exchange of experience, learning from each other and thinking together in developing further the newly created legal aid systems, involving both policymakers and legal practitioners (legal aid administrators and public defenders/private legal aid lawyers). The second thematic meeting was organized in Tbilisi, Georgia, on September16-17, 2010. The meeting focused on quality ensurance in criminal defense and the role of research in legal aid policymaking. The website of the LARN was created: www.legalaidreform.org. $6,315

Grant awarded within the project:

Financial Support for a Moldovan Delegation to Participate in the LARN Second Meeting, Tbilisi, Georgia, September 16-17 Grantees and beneficiaries: Lilian DARII, Nadejda HRIPTIEVSCHI, Veronica MIHAILOV, Ludmila SPÎNU, Victor ZAHARIA, Victor MUNTEANU $3,847

Travel Grants:

OSI Sub-Board for Law and Human Rights Meeting, Budapest, Hungary, April 16 Grantee: Nadejda HRIPTIEVSCHI Summary: Financial support to participate in the discussion on access to justice and legal aid development in Moldova, organized within the OSI Sub-Board for Law and Human Rights meeting. $1,600

NGO Meeting on Creating a Coordinating Body and Civil Society Network, London, United Kingdom, April 29-30 Grantee: Nadejda HRIPTIEVSCHI Summary: Financial support to participate in the NGO meeting on creating a coordinating body and a civil society network that would help increase information sharing, access to knowledge products, and scale-up advocacy and litigation activities. $1,225

Global South-South Development Expo 2010, Geneva, Switzerland, November 22-26 Grantee: Nadejda HRIPTIEVSCHI Summary: Financial support to participate in the Global South-South Development Expo 2010. $1,357

Total OSJI/OSI/HRGGP expenditures: $14,343

Programs implemented with the financial support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)

Ensuring Public Participation in Decision-making and Effective Access to Information Grantee: Acces-info Center for Freedom of Expression Promotion and Access to Information Project manager: Vasile SPINEI

Summary: The first year of the project was dedicated to addressing the following issues: lack of LPAs’ knowledge and skills to involve the public in the decision-making process and lack of trust between public authorities and the population. The Access-Info Center conducted activities meant to illustrate on the basis of “life” examples the benefits of public engagement in decision-making through piloting best practices and know-how transfers. The Project had a successful collaboration with the government in drafting several by-laws and developing a set of recommendations that were used in the development of the Government Action Plan: “European Integration: Freedom, Democracy, Welfare”. In order to analyze the attitude of public authorities toward access to information requests, the Center conducted monitoring and interviewing activities. The outcomes of the research and the recommendations for improvement were discussed during the National Annual Conference and will serve as comparative basis for the Final Monitoring Report for 2011. $139,306

Legal Empowerment of Rural Communities through a Network of Community-based Paralegals Summary: Within the first year, the project succeeded in creating a network of 30 community based paralegals consisting of 14 social assistants and 16 other representatives of rural communities. The project experts developed two manuals: “Basic Legal Guide” and “Methodological Guide for Paralegals”. The manuals are unique in Moldova, being well tailored to the needs of the paralegals and their beneficiaries, written in a simple language with an aim to demystify complex legal issues and make them truly accessible and relevant for rural communities. After an initial two weeks of training, the paralegals went back to their home villages where they regularly provide primary legal aid, mediate conflicts, and educate community members about their rights. This know-how is constantly refined with the goal of further strengthening the network and handing it over to the Moldovan state authorities. The paralegals regularly provide the project staff with feedback on the current legal needs of the poor people. It helps the project experts to better adjust the content of training programs and will be crucial for amending the paralegal manuals. The project created a solid partnership with the main stakeholders in the country, while some of them also delegated representatives to the Project Working Group: the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family, National Legal Aid Council and local public authorities from pilot communities. The Project Working Group ensures a permanent involvement of state authorities, guards on sustainability and works closely with project experts and paralegals alike. $250,000

Sida project administration expenditures: $5,441 Total Sida expenditures: $394,747

Program administration expenditures: $41,441 Total Law Program expenditures: $945,888

CIVIL SOCIETY PROGRAM

Vision: An open and democratic society that respects the principles of equality and a balanced participation of women in the process of good governance.

Context: In 2010, the Civil Society Program (CSP) continued the implementation of activities aimed at promoting non-discrimination principles and values, both through NGOs that share the same vision and direct management of operational projects. In December 2009, CSP launched the “Empowering Women to Participate in Community Life” project financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The project will be implemented during two years, from December 4, 2009 to January 31, 2012. The project aims to strengthen good governance at local level by empowering women from rural areas to participate in community life and decision-making processes.

In the context of prevention and combating the phenomenon of discrimination, a training program for 20 NGO representatives active in the promotion of human rights was conducted in partnership with the Anti-Discrimination Coalition from Romania. It aims to impart with the participants knowledge of the criteria, the types of discrimination and other related concepts, and key levers for promoting and fighting discrimination, as well as improve their skills in developing an advocacy plan in this area. In order to identify people's perceptions on the phenomenon of discrimination, the program conducted a sociological study on the categories of people perceived as the most frequent victims of discrimination, the social contexts in which discrimination occurs, the social distance between groups of people that are discriminated and the personal experience of the respondents regarding discrimination. In addition to these activities, an operational project was launched in order to monitor the ways different social groups are covered by five TV stations, seen from a human rights and prevention of discrimination perspective.

During the first year of the “Empowering Women to Participate in Community Life”, two programs on capacity building for NGOs working in the field of women’s empowerment were conducted in partnership with the Romanian Institute of Training. 42 NGOs from 23 regions of Moldova participated in the training program; two open competitions for grants were launched and 10 projects were funded aiming to encourage and engage more than 250 women from rural areas in the decision-making process at local level.

In view of developing the leadership capacities of women from rural areas, two editions of the leadership development program were conducted in cooperation with the Partnership for Development Center, from which 44 women benefited. The participants gained knowledge about developing civic and political leadership skills and identifying solutions to community problems. The leadership development program was followed up by a small grants competition within which 10 community initiatives were funded.

Objectives: - to promote democratic values underlying the respect for the principles of equality and diversity, - to strengthen good governance at community level by empowering women to participate in the decision-making process and contribute to community development, - to strengthen the capacities of nongovernmental organizations by developing their abilities in applying advocacy methods and techniques.

Program Director: Elena LEŞAN, Email: [email protected] Program Assistant: Natalia CAMBURIAN, Email: [email protected] Project Coordinator: Victoria VOROŞCIUC, Email: [email protected]

List of Acronyms:

SFM Soros Foundation-Moldova NGO Nongovernmental Organization CSP Civil Society Program

Sida Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency RIT Romanian Institute of Training CPD Partnership for Development Center LPA Local Public Authorities LGBT Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender

SUBPROGRAM 1: AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

In the framework of this program component, the CS Program aimed to support the implementation of activities targeting the involvement of NGOs in combating discrimination through raising awareness campaigns and monitoring cases of discrimination.

Operational projects:

Needs and Capacity Assessment of NGOs Active in Combating the Phenomenon of Discrimination The capacity and development needs assessment was conducted among 11 NGOs active in preventing and combating discrimination. These NGOs will become partners in carrying out the CS Program’s activities during 2011. The evaluation was done by an expert from Romania with relevant experience in human rights and combating discrimination. Based on the results of the assessment, a capacity building program for NGOs active in promoting non-discriminatory principles and diversity was developed. $18,730

Training Program “Training Techniques for Promoting Human Rights in Combating Discrimination” The CS Program and the partnering Anti-discrimination Coalition from Romania will organize and conduct a training program on anti-discrimination for representatives of Moldovan NGOs active in promoting human rights. The training program will consist of three modules, four days each, as follows: − Module I: Discrimination - criteria, types of discrimination and other related concepts; − Module II: Advocacy in combating discrimination - knowledge and skills required to develop an advocacy plan; − Module III: Limits and key levers for promoting and fighting discrimination.

The three training modules will enable the participants to understand the concept of discrimination and to become familiar with the methods and techniques to combat this phenomenon. During the program, each of the 20 participants will work on a home assignment/a concept related to the activity field of their organization, being assisted by program trainers as well as experts in the field who are acting members of organizations within the Anti-discrimination coalition. During 2011, the SC Program will launch a grant competition for projects related to preventing and combating discrimination, the participants being able to develop project concepts and submit them for funding to the Foundation. After the training, the SC Program will organize an exchange visit to Romania for the participants in the training. $2,518

Recommendations on Improving the Draft Law on Preventing and Combating Discrimination In early September, the Ministry of Justice submitted for public review the draft law on preventing and combating discrimination. In this respect, an expert-member of the European Commission’s Independent Experts’ Network in the field of non-discrimination from Romania was commissioned to provide a review of the draft law. $1,452

Sociological Study on the Phenomenon of Discrimination The purpose of the survey was to identify social perceptions of discrimination and the types of this phenomenon. The following activities were conducted in this regard: a Delphi research that allowed to set up the target categories of the population and basic indicators for the survey; a survey on the phenomenon of discrimination in the Republic of Moldova; three focus groups were organized to discuss the survey results; an analytical report was drafted based on the survey results which includes proposals and recommendations to the target groups. Conducted for the first time in Moldova, the sociological study identifies the categories of persons perceived as the most frequent victims of discrimination, the social background in which discrimination occurs, the social distance between the respondents and the groups of people who are discriminated, as well as the respondents' personal experiences in the field of discrimination. The research results reveal that discrimination and marginalization of certain groups of people are a real phenomenon in Moldova, which has been growing rapidly during the last few years. In accordance with the public and experts’

85 opinion involved in this research, the most socially discriminated groups are people with mental and physical disabilities, people with a low income, HIV positive, LGBT, Roma and women. $28,302

Monitoring the Media Coverage of Various Social Groups The CS Program planned to carry out a research study on the TV coverage through a human rights and discrimination prevention perspective for the following group categories: people with disabilities, Roma, poor people, women, LGBT, HIV positive people. The objectives of this research were the following: − to analyze the frequency in the coverage of the above-mentioned socio-demographic groups, − to analyze themes and topics associated with these groups compared to the themes and topics associated with the majority groups, − to analyze the image and roles of these socio-demographic groups promoted by TV stations as compared to the majority groups (based on age, educational background, employment status, social position, etc.). The project will be carried out during the first half of 2011. $38

Total Subprogram 1 expenditures: $51,040

SUBPROGRAM 2: CAPACITY BUILDING IN ADVOCACY FOR NGOs

Operational project:

During November, a training program in advocacy was organized for Moldovan NGO representatives. The training program was carried out in partnership with the Young and Free Resource Center. Following an open call for proposals, 20 representatives of local and national NGOs active in different fields were selected. The training program consisted of two modules: - Module I Advocacy. Methods and techniques of advocacy. Public policy process. November 8-11; - Module II: Developing and conducting an advocacy campaign. Monitoring public institutions. November 21-24. The training activities were aimed at offering the participants theoretical and practical knowledge about advocacy and lobbying, advocacy methods and techniques, use of social networks as tools for advocacy, public policy cycle, etc.

Total Subprogram 2 expenditures: $17,911

SUBPROGRAM 3: EMPOWERING WOMEN TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY LIFE

The project “Empowering Women to Participate in Community Life” is being implemented with financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) during December 4, 2009 - January 31, 2012. The project aims at strengthening good governance at local level by encouraging and developing the skills of rural women to engage in community initiatives and participate in decision-making. The project objectives will be achieved both by working with nongovernmental organizations whose agenda includes promoting gender equality and directly through rural women's groups with leadership skills.

Operational projects:

Training Program for NGO Representatives Active in the Field of Women’s Empowerment During May-October 2010, the CS Program conducted, in partnership with the Romanian Institute of Training, two training programs on women’s empowerment from rural area NGOs from the Republic of Moldova, active in the field.

The participants in the training were selected based on the following criteria: motivation for participation in the program, previous experience in the field of gender equality and women’s empowerment and the intention of organizing activities that would promote women’s participation in decision-making. The geographical representation of NGOs included 23 regions: Căuşeni - 2, Drochia - 3, Bălţi - 4, Hânceşti - 3, Călăraşi - 1 Leova - 1, Cantemir - 1, Străşeni - 2, Ialoveni - 2 Soroca - 3, Făleşti - 1, Nisporeni - 1, Floreşti - 2, Glodeni - 1, Ungheni - 2, Chişinău municipality- 4, Cahul - 2, Dubăsari - 1, Edineţ - 1, Ocniţa - 1, Teleneşti – 2; Rezina - 1, Basarabeasca - 1.

During the eight days of the training program, completed by 42 participants, the key elements of gender equality, the legal framework in the gender field, promotion of gender equality in social, economic and political spheres, participation of women in decision-making, advocacy and lobbying techniques to mobilize women to engage in community life as well as other relevant subjects were studied. $42,534

Leadership Development Program for Rural Women. First Edition The leadership development program was designed for women from rural areas interested in participating in decision-making within their community. The Program consisted of two phases: a training program and t he implementation of community initiatives (funded under a Small Grants Competition organized by the SFM, for the participants that completed the training program).

During the months of June and July, the first leadership training program was organized, bringing together 22 women representing different rural areas. The profile of women selected for the training included: leadership skills, their activism and intention to run for 2011 local elections, their active involvement in community life and the decision-making process, motivation, professional achievements, and the desire to form partnerships with other women in the country in promoting leadership.

The training program was conducted by the Partnership for Development Center and was composed of two training modules: - Module I: Developing the capacity for community and political leadership (June 10-12) - Module II: Promoting change in the community (June 21-24)

The first training module was focused on theoretical and practical principles of leadership, personal development, key elements of team effectiveness, communication and negotiation inherent issues, etc. The second training module covered topics related to the techniques of mobilizing stakeholders, development of strategies to promote change at the institutional and community levels and to identify community needs, techniques for identifying community problems and resources to address them and assess people’s involvement in this process, as well as project development. $16,273

Workshop for the Trainees of the First Leadership Training Program During December 10-11, the CS Program conducted an additional activity for the participants that completed the first leadership training program. The workshop “Equal Opportunities in the Election” was organized in response to the needs assessment identified after the training. The workshop agenda, facilitated by the Partnership for Development Center, included the key elements in the process of running an election campaign with focus on local elections and the development of a common action plan for the upcoming year. The transfer of theoretical and practical knowledge made by the participants became an incentive in promoting rural women as future leaders and their eventual participation in the 2011 local elections. $2,461

Leadership Development Program for Rural Women. Second Edition During November 2010 - January 2011, the second edition of the leadership development program was organized with the participation of 22 women with leadership potential from the Republic of Moldova. The training program consisted of three modules and was conducted by the Partnership for Development Center as follows: - Module I: Developing civic leadership capacity (November 13 - 14, 2010) - Module II: Developing political leadership capacity (December 3 - 5, 2010) - Module III: Designing and managing a project (January 20 - 23, 2011)

Within the first module, the participants learned about the key practices of successful leadership. During the first home assignment, each participant had to identify a woman-leader in the community and to shadow study her work. In the second training module, the participants got familiar with political leadership. The module was designed to inform and encourage women to engage in political and civic life. Another practical application included a detailed analysis of gender within the political context of the community conducted by each participant during one month. The participants analyzed gender representation as a result of the 2007 local elections. During the third module, the participants acquired skills and knowledge in developing project proposals, using the Logical Framework Approach. The proposals are to be submitted for funding under the small grants competition organized by the SFM. $10,762

Small Grants Program for the Participants in the Leadership Development Program The small grants competition was launched by the CS Program during June-July 2010 and was designed for leadership training program beneficiaries of the first edition. The purpose of the contest was to give the participants an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills obtained during the eight days of training. The grant amount limit for each initiative was $1,000.

“Let's Combine Practice with Pleasure” Grantee: Rodica BUZILĂ, Oxentea, Dubăsari Summary: The project was implemented in the gymnasium from the village of Oxentea, Dubăsari. It aimed at promoting gender equality by conducting a culinary course for a group of 11 boys and 14 girls. The office where the technological education activities were held was equipped with basic cooking equipment. $1,000

Developing the Golden Age of Youth Grantee: Maia FILIPENCO, Doroţcaia, Dubăsari Summary: The purpose of the project consisted in the prevention of juvenile delinquency in the village of Doroţcaia, Dubăsari rayon, by educating students about leisure conditions that lead to a civilized behavior. A group of young people aged between 15-18 years old selected from socially vulnerable families, were given the opportunity to visit Orhei’s historical site, Hâncu monastery and a cinema club in the capital of Moldova. Meetings with parents and the school staff and Christmas gatherings where boys showcased their cooking abilities, created a better understanding of children’s needs and proved to the members of the community that gender stereotypes can be overcome. The youth involved in the project developed an action plan for future meetings that aim at engaging their parents in the plan implementation. $1,000

Improving Local Government’s Transparency in the Village of Ştefăneşti Grantee: Ersilia QATRAWI, Ştefăneşti, Ştefan-Vodă Summary: The project focused on promoting transparency of the decision-making process of the local public authority. The local government representatives and community citizens participated in “Transparency in the Decision-making Process” seminar; a website of the village of Stefăneşti was developed; a regulation on the transparency of decision-making was drafted; and a billboard was installed in front of the mayor’s office offering public access to the decisions made by local authorities. $1,000

Better Opportunities for Opaci Women’s Participation in the Decision-making Processes Grantee: Rodica MOCANU, Opaci, Căuşeni Summary: The project aims to increase awareness and participation of citizens from the village of Opaci in the decision-making process and transparency of local public authority. A group of 21 women will acquire leadership and community problem solving skills through a training program. A regulation on the transparency of the decision-making process will be developed, while the final round-table will discuss the impact of this regulation on the transparency of the mayor’s office activities. Later, a newsletter will be developed to inform community members about the activities and decisions made by the local council. In order to ensure a better access to information about mayor’s office activities, information boards will be installed. $1,000

Women - Promoters of Human Development Grantee: Maria JOSANU, Chetrosu, Drochia Summary: The project aimed to involve women in the social and political life of the village of Chetrosu. 26 young mothers took part in a series of training sessions on ways to address children’s needs, personal development, mother’s rights and responsibilities, healthy food and life styles, etc. The group of mothers involved in the project created the Senate of Young Mothers, which meets on a regular basis. Books about women's empowerment and personal development were purchased. The young mothers organized a fundraising event attended by community members. The money raised during this event was invested in the future activities of the Senate. $993

Use of Modern Information Technology - Training Opportunities for Personal Development Grantee: Ecaterina MOCANU, Moleşti, Ialoveni Summary: The project aims to provide knowledge about information technologies to a group of 12 women and four men. The beneficiaries created personal electronic mail accounts, practiced the use of video applications, and learned about the benefits of on-line communication networks, etc. $1,000

Engagement of High School Students in Volunteering Practices Grantee: Maria BURLAC, Surchiceni, Căuşeni Summary: The project pursues to promote volunteering by encouraging students, teachers and parents to participate in community life and cover the best practices in the local newspaper, designed by school students, who were trained in advance by an experienced journalist. $1,000

“Bring a Smile into the Elderly People’s Life” Grantee: Liuba IACOVLEV, Ochiul Alb, Drochia Summary: The project aimed to create a recreational area in the Center for elderly people from the village of Ochiul Alb, Drochia rayon. The Center’s beneficiaries, along with other community members, were mobilized to participate in the activities of the Center and a number of other cultural and information activities, aiming to integrate the elderly in community life. $1,000

Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle through Cycling Grantee: Eugenia IOXA, Mîndreşti, Teleneşti Summary: The project focused on promoting a healthy life style among students from Dimitrie Cantemir High School from the village of Mândreşti, the rayon of Teleneşti, as well as the entire community. Lessons about traffic rules, including cycling rules, were included in the high school

90 curriculum from V to IX grades and a parking lot for bicycles was installed in front of the school. A group of 30 people consisting of parents, teachers, and LPA representatives, as well as young people that reached the age of 18, participated in a cycling marathon organized on the Mândreşti - Teleneşti route. The marathon included a cycling competition and the winners, a man and a woman, were awarded bikes. The LPA took over the initiative of organizing the cycling marathon in the future. $994

Empowering the Young Leaders from Sângerei to Participate in Decision-making Processes Grantee: Ludmila PROCIUC, Sângerei Summary: Over 20 young people were trained in developing their leadership skills. They also attended local council meetings. The project supported the organization of raising awareness campaigns in the community on the right of youth’s participation in civic and political life. The group of young people participated in two study visits to the local council to make a better acquaintance with people who are empowered to make decisions in the community. The project’s beneficiaries attended three public hearings and received tips from local government representatives and political party leaders on the steps to be taken in order to become a councilor or mayor. $1,000

Grants in the Field of Women’s Empowerment and Their Participation in Decision-making Processes

During the months of June - July and October - November, the Civil Society Program launched two open grants competitions with the aim to support initiatives that would increase the participation of rural women in the public and political decision-making process at the local governance level. The call was designed for non-governmental organizations working in rural areas which had promoting gender equality as a strategic priority. The maximum amount of grant awards was $12,400 and the duration of the implementation - up to eight months.10 grants were funded in this category during 2010.

Equal Opportunities for Women Grantee: Consult-Nord Community Association, Pelinia, Drochia Project manager: Nina BÂNDIU Summary: The project will strengthen the skills of 20 women from the village of Pelinia at engaging in community development and participating in the decision-making process. To this end, a women's club will be established, a training program in leadership and political participation will be conducted, a study visit to an NGO from the neighboring community as well as a public cafe with the participation of successful women from the community will be organized. $10,522

Only through Involvement We Can Bring Change Grantee: House of Hope Center of Social Assistance, Soroca Project manager: Valentina ONICA Summary: The project aims to empower a group of 45 women from the rayon of Soroca to actively participate in community life, with a focus on the decision-making process. The organization will run information and raising awareness activities in 15 villages from the rayon of Soroca on the situation of Moldovan women; will organize a training program for 45 women, four TV debates, and a Women's Forum with the participation of all the people involved in the field. $7,967

Overcoming Difficulties on the Road to a Brighter Future Grantee: Eldorado NGO, Flocoasa, Cantemir Project manager: Diana ICHIM Summary: The project aims to strengthen the leadership capacity of an initiative group consisting of 20 women from the village of Ciobalaccia and to raise awareness within community on the importance of women’s involvement in politics. These objectives will be achieved through the initiative group of women who will later take part in a capacity building training program; will participate in various activities conducted with the participation of all community members; will meet politicians and LPA representatives for a round-table discussion regarding women’s participation in community life; will organize contests of essays on women's involvement in the decision-making processes, photo exhibitions and other activities. $7,843

Strengthening the Role of Women in the Southern Region of the Republic of Moldova Grantee: Dialog NGO Information and Advising Center, Ciadîr-Lunga Project manager: Svetlana CAPANJI Summary: The project aims to encourage women from the rayon of Ciadîr-Lunga in getting involved in decision-making processes through cooperation with governmental, public and media representatives. The organization will conduct workshops in nine villages from the rayon of Ciadîr- Lunga, during which the target groups will be informed about the importance of involving women in community decision-making processes. Later, 45 women willing to become a candidate in local elections will be offered the opportunity to benefit from a training program in civic and political leadership. The project will develop four short documentaries on the life and work of successful women from Găgăuzia; will organize four TV debates and other activities to raise awareness on women's involvement. $10,000

Participation, Strategy - the Path to Democracy Grantee: Business Women's Association NGO, Bălţi Project manager: Tatiana PUGA Summary: The project is aimed at improving good governance by increasing the role of women in the community. To this end, they will conduct a training program for 45 women from Glodeni, Rîşcani, Făleşti, Drochia and Bălţi in acquiring tools and techniques for influencing the decision-making process at local level. The project will support the establishment of a women’s club that will participate in local council meetings and will come up with proposals and recommendations on the issues discussed on the local council agenda. $10,000

Women and Elections Grantee: Golubca NGO Women’s Club, Basarabeasca Project manager: Raisa VORONIUC The project proposes to increase women's participation in decision-making in the rayon of Basarabeasca. The project's target group will consist of 20 women from Abaclia, Sadaclia, Iserlia, Başcalia, Iordanovca, Carabetovca and Basarabeasca localities. The beneficiaries will participate in a training program focused on developing their political leadership capacity. In accordance with this objective, awareness raising activities including TV programs on a relevant topic, as well as meetings with different parties will be carried out. $9,970

Developing Opportunities for the Participation of Women from Rural Area in Community Life Grantee: DACIA Youth’s Resource Center, Soroca Project manager: Stela BABICI Summary: The project aims to increase the representation of women from rural communities from the rayon of Soroca in decision-making by achieving two specific goals: to encourage women's participation in the local elections of 2011 and to strengthen the leadership capacity of 30 women from 24 communities from the rayon of Soroca. The project will assess the degree of women's activity in the communities within the political parties and local councils by organizing meetings and informal discussions with various parties and encouraging women to get involved in decision-making processes. Several events including the public café Women in Politics not a Taboo, a political leadership program for 30 women and three TV debates will be carried out. $9,723

When Women Participate – the Community Develops Grantee: Children Aspire to an Ideal Public Association, Văsieni, Ialoveni Project manager: Nina MIHALACHE Summary: The project aims to support and motivate women to participate in the village of Văsieni decision- making. The direct beneficiaries will be 20 community representatives that will form an initiative group that will receive training in gender equality and gender mainstreaming. The project will support the organization and facilitation of a public debate on gender issues as well as meetings with representatives of political parties to discuss ways of increasing women's representation on electoral lists. $8,479

Involving Women with Leadership Potential in Local Decision-making Process Grantee: Always-together Public Association, Dahnovici, Hînceşti Project manager: Stela BUCUR Summary: The goal of the project is to encourage a long-term participation of women from the rayon of Hînceşti in decision-making processes. The Association will develop and conduct one training program for 35 women from Stolniceni, Ciuciuleni, Sipoteni, Dahnovici, Drăguşeni and Bobeica communities. The program will consist of two modules that will focus on promoting and encouraging women to develop their leadership skills and participate in local decision-making processes. A component of the training program will be dedicated to practical application of the skills developed through the implementation of community initiatives. $9,276

Partnership for Good Governance at Local Level Grantee: Pro Rural Development Agency, Lăpuşna, Hînceşti Project manager: Lidia BEZNITCHI Summary: The project aims to enhance the capacities of 45 rural women in local decision-making. Over 100 women from the villages of Cărpineni, Pervomaisc and Lăpuşna will be informed about the principles of democratic governance, public participation and human rights. Three local initiative groups will be created with the goal to attend local meetings and represent civil society on various areas of interest. The project will support the organization of one roundtable, which will gather representatives of civil society from Cărpineni, Lăpuşna and Pervomaisc for discussions of issues related to women's participation in community life. $9,950

Subprogram 3 administration expenditures: $10,519 Total Subprogram 3 expenditures: $186,265

Other Civil Society Program expenditures: -$4,110 Program administration expenditures: $30,262 Total Civil Society Program expenditures: $281,368

EMERGENCY FUND (EF)

George Soros established an Emergency Fund to help vulnerable groups cope with the impact of the global economic crisis in twenty countries of Central and East Europe. This new fund supports humanitarian projects that will help people hardest hit by the crisis - especially the most vulnerable groups - and to help civil society organizations adjust to the sudden change in circumstances. In addition to projects addressing the impact of the economic crisis on vulnerable groups, the fund will consider supporting innovative interventions aimed at maintaining support for open society values among the new middle class and countering populist demagogy.

In 2010, Moldova benefited from financial support from this fund for the following projects:

School Communities in Action: Creating Conditions for Children from Socially Vulnerable Families to Stay in School Grantee: Pro Didactica Educational Center Project manager: Rima BEZEDE, Executive Director Summary: The project started in 2010 and will be implemented over the next two years. It aims to support rural schools in creating conditions for the children from socially vulnerable families to stay in school and keep their motivation for learning and development, in a situation when their families are severely affected by the economic crisis. The project includes 50 schools that will benefit from substantial support. It includes two components: the first one is to improve the conditions for children with socially vulnerable backgrounds to stay in school and the second - teacher capacity development for working with children from socially vulnerable families. Initial training activities on project development and administration were carried out. The participants were local teams consisting of a school manager, a teacher, a community and a LPA representative. This initiative envisages also providing training for teachers to develop their professional skills for working with children from socially vulnerable families through extracurricular activities. The expected outcomes of the project are as follows: 50 school community teams trained in project development; 50 projects developed and supported financially, focusing on creating conditions for children from disadvantaged families in order to help them stay in school; 100 deputy directors and class masters trained and certified in encouraging students’ motivation for learning and development. The project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education, County General Departments of Education, Youth and Sports, local authorities, NGOs and communities. For more information about this project, please visit the Pro Didactica website: www.prodidactica.md

Project in progress $959,000

Better Opportunities for Youth and Women Grantee: United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Project manager: Viorel ALBU Summary: The two-year project started in 2010 with the aim to diminish the unemployment among youth and reduce migration and human trafficking by creating new jobs for vulnerable groups represented by graduates of boarding schools and orphanages, women and children in vulnerable situations, as well as victims of human trafficking. The project supports, among other things, establishing new enterprises to offer jobs for the project beneficiaries and vocational training services. Additionally, support will be offered to Social Rehabilitation Centers created by UNDP during the last few years in order to ensure their financial sustainability. During 2010, 432 young people went through professional trainings; 580 - were employed; 41 victims of human trafficking and 203 victims of domestic violence received help; 53 working places were created via the partnerships established with four companies and three NGOs. More details about the project results can be found at the following link: http://www.undp.md/presscentre/2011/BO/BOYW_Brochure_eng_final_final[1].pdf Project in progress $800,000

Supplementary Scholarships for Youth from Socially Vulnerable Families Grantee: Educational Advising Center Project manager: Angela MUŞET Summary: The project is to be implemented during three years and will provide support for youth from socially vulnerable families in order to facilitate their access to university education. Besides the scholarship program, the grantee will carry out information and training activities which will help the participants define their career paths. The project is implemented in partnership with universities, nongovernmental organizations and private sector. The project is expected to have the following results: 380 young people from socially vulnerable families will benefit from scholarships; 272 students will be provided training on specific professional development needs; at least 10 nongovernmental organizations and businesses will benefit from the services offered by the project beneficiaries during summer time. During an open contest organized in 2010, out of 312 students from 18 higher education institutions, 64 students benefited from scholarships of $1.500 each; 106 students won annual scholarships of $1.000 each, while other 94 benefited from annual scholarships of $560 each. The list of students who benefited from scholarships can be found at the following address: http://www.eac.md/scholarships/soros/dezavant/index.html Project in progress $659,101

Financial Support for Mitigating the Consequences of the 2010 Flooding Grantee: United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Project manager: Doina MUNTEANU Summary: The Soros Foundation-Moldova offered financial support for the renovation of two villages from the Republic of Moldova affected by the summer floods of 2010. The support included small grants for reconstruction work and other relevant activities initiated by local citizens and LPA. $18,990

Community for All – Moldova – Bridge Funding during the Global Economic Crisis Grantee: Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association Project manager: Ludmila MALCOCI Summary: This three-year project supports the inclusion of persons with mental disabilities in their biological families and communities through building partnerships with local governments, nongovernmental organizations and families. The Community for all - Moldova - Bridge Funding during the Global Economic Crisis is aimed at developing community support services, expanding existing services and developing new services including community homes, foster families, protected units, mobile teams, family placement conditions for mentally disabled adults. The success of the project is ensured by assisting people with disabilities and by piloting new community services to meet the diverse needs of persons with mental disabilities and their families/carers. The project includes two priority areas: deinstitutionalization of persons with mental disabilities from the boarding school for boys with severe mental disabilities in Orhei and prevention of institutionalization of other vulnerable persons. For more information, please visit the following websites: http://khsimoldova.wordpress.com; www.keystone.md Project in progress $2,419,900

Program administration expenditures: $17,582

Total EF Program: $4,874,573

2010 Expenditures Soros Foundation - Moldova Expenditures 2010 (in US Dollars) %

Civil Society $ 251,107 2.34% East East: Partnership Beyond Borders $ 262,470 2.45% European Initiatives $ 208,354 1.94% Law & Criminal Justice $ 904,447 8.43% Public Administration & Good Governance $ 432,602 4.03% Media $ 853,276 7.95% Public Health $ 1,944,131 18.12% Cultural Policy $ 110,394 1.03% Youth $ 60,120 0.56% Emergency Fund 2009-2011 $ 4,856,991 45.26% Administration $ 846,830 7.89%

TOTA L $ 10,730,722 100%

SFM BOARDS

National Board

Arcadie BARBAROŞIE, Executive Director, Institute for Public Policy Gheorghe COJOCARU, Director, Institute of History, State and Law, Academy of Sciences of Moldova Eugen CARPOV, Ambassador; Head of the Legal Department, Komet Group J.V. (until October 2010) Liliana VIŢU-EŞANU, Head, News Department, Moldova 1 TV, TeleRadio Moldova Public Broadcasting Company Otilia BOLOGAN-VIERU, National Legal Adviser, Anti-Trafficking and Gender Program, OSCE Mission to Moldova Sorin HADÂRCĂ, Team Leader, DFID Support to the Implementation of the Moldova's National Development Strategy; founding member of the IDEA Club Tamara CĂRĂUŞ, Researcher in Philosophy (since October 2010) Oxana GUŢU, Senior Policy and Strategic Planning Expert within the Ecotec (Ecorys in the UK), Support to Implementation of the National Development Strategy (since October 2010)

Media Program Board

Mihail GUZUN, PhD, Chair of the Journalism Department, School of Journalism and Communication Sciences, SUM Vasile SPINEI, Chairperson, Acces-INFO Center for Promotion of Freedom of Expression and Access to Information Georgeta STEPANOV, Faculty member, Journalism Department, School of Journalism and Communication Sciences, SUM

Public Administration, Good Governance and European Initiatives Program Board

Romaniţa REVENKO, Regional consultant, Private Sector Development Division, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Ion OSOIANU, Deputy Team Leader and Senior Local Governance and Regional Development Advisor, “Moldova: Cooperation in Regional Development” Project, DFID Oxana GUŢU, Senior Policy and Strategic Planning Expert within the Ecotec (Ecorys in the UK), Support to Implementation of the National Development Strategy (until October 2010) Igor GROSU, Expert in Participation, DFID Support to the National Development Strategy Implementation, Ecorys UK (ECOTEC) Oleg HÎRBU, Project Manager, Public Macro-financial Finance Management, Public Expenditures and Budget Support Project, Operations Section, EU Delegation to Moldova Alexei IONAŞCU, Operations Officer, World Bank (since November 2010)

Civil Society Program Board

Veaceslav PALADE, Program Associate, UNDP Stelian RUSU, Grants Specialist, US Embassy Tatiana TURCHINĂ, Psychologist, Faculty member, Applied Psychology Department, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Science, Moldova State University; Trainer, Expert-consultant Felicia CREŢU, Executive Director, ACASĂ Association for Charity and Social Assistance Sofia ŞULEANSCHI, Country Director, Winrock Moldova Petru CULEAC, Program Officer, East Europe Foundation Moldova (since October 2010) Alexandrina IOVIŢĂ, Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor, UNAIDS (since October 2010)

Public Health Program Board

Gabriela IONAŞCU, Country Coordinator, UNAIDS Moldova Silviu DOMENTE, Technical Officer, DPR/Health Systems, WHO Country Office, Republic of Moldova Ştefan GHEORGHIŢĂ, First Deputy Director, National Center for Preventive Medicine; Director, AIDS Center Victor BURINSCHI, Program Manager, TB-AIDS Project, Program Coordination Unit

Ala CURTEANU, PhD, Neonatologist, Head of Perinatology Department, National Center for Mother and Child Protection Valeriu CRUDU, Program Coordinator, Center for Health Policies and Studies (since February 2010) Aliona SERBULENCO, Head of the Health Policies Department, Ministry of Health (since October 2010)

East East: Partnership Beyond Borders Program Advisory Committee

Ghenadie IVAŞCENCO, Executive Director, Habitat Moldova National Center for Human Settlements Vitalie DOGARU, Program Editor, Publika TV News and Media Group Octavian ŢÎCU, Associate Professor, Free International University of Moldova. Researcher- Coordinator, Institute of History, State and Law, Academy of Science of the Republic of Moldova. Igor CAŞU, Faculty member, Department of History, SUM; Researcher, Institute of History, ASM Leonidas CRISCIUNAS, Consultant, IOM (since March 2010)

SFM STAFF

Victor URSU, Executive Director [email protected] Varvara COLIBABA, Deputy Director [email protected] Silvia URSU, Communication Manager [email protected] Elena VACARCIUC, Finance Director [email protected] Dumitru CHITOROAGĂ, Grants Manager [email protected] Elena VITIUC, Chief Accountant [email protected] Liuba COTOROBAI, Accountant-cashier [email protected] Vasile GÎRLEA, Operations Manager [email protected] Victor ANDRONIC, LAN Manager [email protected] Ana COREŢCHI, Program Director, East East: Partnership Beyond [email protected] Borders Marina COGÎLNICEANU, Program Coordinator, East East: Partnership [email protected] Beyond Borders Elena LEŞAN, Program Director, Civil Society [email protected] Natalia CAMBURIAN, Program Assistant, Civil Society [email protected] Victoria VOROŞCIUC, Project Coordinator, Civil Society [email protected] Victoria MIRON, Program Director, Media, Cultural Policy [email protected] Cristina ANDONI, Program Assistant, Media [email protected] Liliana GHERMAN, Program Director, Public Health [email protected] Victoria CONDRAT, Program Coordinator, Public Health [email protected] Vitalie SLOBOZIAN, Program Coordinator, Harm Reduction [email protected] Veronica ZORILĂ, Monitoring, Evaluation and Training Specialist, Harm [email protected] Reduction Ala COJOCARI, Financial and Procurement Specialist, Harm Reduction [email protected] Ana GONCIAR, Program Assistant, Harm Reduction [email protected] Olga CRIVOLIUBIC, Program Director, Public Administration and Good [email protected] Governance; European Initiatives Diana ZAHARIA, Program Coordinator, Public Administration and Good [email protected] Governance; European Initiatives Denis BORDIAN, Program Assistant, Public Administration and Good [email protected] Governance; European Initiatives Victor MUNTEANU, Program Director, Law [email protected] Radu DANII, Program Coordinator, Law [email protected] Tatiana DANILESCU, Program Assistant, Law [email protected] Marcel VARMARI, Finance and Project Manager, Law [email protected] Cristina GODOVANCIUC, Receptionist, Administrative Assistant [email protected] Ana CHITOROAGĂ, Receptionist [email protected]