East Europe Foundation - Moldova | Annual Report 2012

East Europe Foundation-Moldova

Annual Report 2012

Engaging Citizens, Empowering Communities

East Europe Foundation-Moldova

Annual Report 2012 Engaging Citizens, Empowering Communities Inheriting Eurasia Foundation’s rich legacy of promoting democracy, respect for human rights, and building a viable market economy, East Europe Foundation - Moldova (EEF-M) continuously dedicates its efforts to strengthen civil society, improving the quality of governance, and building a better life for Moldovan citizens.

East Europe East Europe Foundation–Moldova is a nonprofit, non-political, public interest organization, established as a foundation, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, the Law on Foundations and other laws.

The sole founder of the Foundation is a nongovernmental organization – the non-profit organization Eurasia Foundation, Washington, D.C. (USA).

EEF-M continues building democratic systems in Moldova, empowering Moldovan citizens and fostering sustainable development through education, technical assistance and grant programs that promote civil society development, strengthen media, enhance good governance and build economic prosperity.

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Content Members of the Board 3 East Europe East Europe Foundation–Moldova Donors 4 Letter from the Chair & the President 5 Mission Statement 6 Programs General Info 8 Infographic: Good Governance Program 2010-2012 9 Infographic: Economic Development Program 2010-2012 11 Infographic: Social Action Program 2010-2012 13 Young Orphans 15 Quality Educational and Health Services 16 Gender Equality 18 Youth Participation 20 Press Council 22 Infographic: “Engaging Citizens, Empowering Communities” Program 2012-2016 23 EEF-M Programs for the period of 2012-2016 25 Building Bridges 26 INSPIRED - A New Culture of Democratic Dialogue 28 Financial Statement 30 Independent Auditor’s Report 32 Copyright © 2013, East Europe Foundation - Moldova ISBN Design concept: Lică Sainciuc

East Europe Foundation-Moldova Annual Report 2012

The Board of Directors:

Our Staff:

Chair: Silvia Radu President, Gas Natural Fenosa Moldova Vice-chair: John Maxemchuk General Director, Sun Communications

Sorin Mereacre, President Sorin.Mereacre@eef.md

Members: Gun-Britt Andersson Ambassador of Sweden, retired Ludmila Andronic Public Relations Manager, LE BRIDGE Corporation Cristina Harea Deputy Director, Horizon Capital Moldova Adriaan Jacobovits de Szeged Ambassador of the Netherlands, retired Vasile Nedelciuc Chairman, Endava Moldova Timothy Pylate Senior Vice President for Development at the National Math and Science Initiative Carmina Vicol Director, Prime Capital Lisa Coll Director of Programs at Eurasia Foundation, Washington DC office

The Supervisory Board: George Ingram Academy of Education Development William Frenzel Guest Scholar at the Brookings Institution Sandra Willett Jackson Strategies & Structures International

Dorina Andreev, Director of Programs Dorina.Andreev@eef.md Ana Olaru, Director of Finance and Administration Ana.Olaru@eef.md Andrei Brighidin, Director for Development and Evaluation Andrei.Brighidin@eef.md Timur Onica, Program Officer Timur.Onica@eef.md Alexandru Coica, Program Officer Alexandru.Coica@eef.md Carolina Blajin, Program / Communication Officer Carolina.Blajin@eef.md Zoia Cabacenco, Grants and Contracts Manager Zoia.Cabacenco@eef.md Tatiana Chirilenco, Grants and Contracts Manager Tatiana.Chirilenco@eef.md Oxana Zanoga, Finance and Administration Assistant Oxana.Zanoga@eef.md Viorel Frunza, IT Specialist Viorel.Frunza@eef.md Natalia Barbu, Program Assistant Natalia.Barbu@eef.md Stela Cudalb, Program Assistant Stela.Cudalb@eef.md Andriana Pinzaru, Finance Assistant Andriana.Pinzaru@eef.md Sergiu Dobinda, Driver-Courier Sergiu.Dobinda@eef.md

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Donors and Partners Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Aura Show U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) Desenergo EXIMBANK - Gruppo Veneto Banca United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) Eurasia Foundation Pontis Foundation Gas Natural Fenosa Swedish Government Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark/DANIDA Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovak Republic OSCE Mission to Moldova National Endowment for Democracy Philip Morris International European Union

Partners Embassy of Finland British Embassy Chisinau ARC Romania Black Sea Trust American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova Council of Europe National Federation of Football FHI 360 Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation for Development of Civil Society Orange Foundation National Democratic Institute (NDI) National Institute of Justice Theoretic Lyceum “Mihai Eminescu� from Comrat Orange Moldova European Partnership for Democracy UNDP Moldova UN Global Compact Network in Moldova UNFPA Moldova UNICEF Moldova Cahul State University *In bold are Corporate, Government and Foundation partners who contributed with $10,000 and above.

Moldovan Government Partnerships State Chancellery, Department for Policies, Strategic Planning and Foreign Assistance Parliamentary Committee for Social Protection, Health and Family Falesti State Service of Social Assistance General Department for Education of Gagauzia General Department for Youth and Sport of Gagauzia Glodeni State Service of Social Assistance Ministry of Education Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family Ministry of Youth and Sports Office of the Prime Minister

Memberships in Coalitions, Associations and Networks American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova Anti-corruption Alliance Business in the Community Global Partnership Network Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum Eurasia Foundation Network National Participation Council

Individual Donors Adriaan Jacobovits de Szeged Regina Yan Silvia Radu Timothy Pylate

East Europe Foundation-Moldova Annual Report 2012

Letter from the Chair and the President Dear friends and colleagues In 2012 East Europe Foundation–Moldova (EEF–M) had the possibility to assess the results of the program „Building Democratic Systems by establishing East Europe Foundation in Moldova” financially supported by the Swedish Government and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The programs and initiatives implemented by EEF–M during the last years fostered the sustainable development of the communities from the Republic of Moldova. EEF–M concluded the three main activity directions: Economic Development, Good Governance and Social Action.

East Europe Foundation–Moldova continued to focus its efforts toward the promotion of civic participation in decision making and public policy development processes, by supporting some strong civic platforms, such as the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections, the Anti-Corruption Alliance. EEF–M was also amongst the key organizations offering support to the National Participation Council – an extraordinary mechanism that ensures civil society participation in development and monitoring of public policies.

The foundation remained a dedicated partner for mass-media from the Republic of Moldova, offering support for the development of new products on the media market and promoting some viable instruments ensuring the quality of media products. This way EEF–M, through a series of sub-grants, supported the media self-regulatory mechanism – the Press Council and contributed to the elaboration of the Deontological Code of the Journalist signed by more than 90 media outlets. The Press Council organized also for the first time a public debate on the observance of the principle of presumption of innocence in mass-media.

The local public - private partnerships created by the Foundation proved to be sustainable, as the business representatives, local authorities and the NGOs collaborate constantly and try to offer a favorable environment for the socially-vulnerable groups by identifying the right problems and by solving them in a participatory manner.

During 2009-2011, 3 Youth Banks were set up in Cahul, Ialoveni and Ungheni. More than 220 young people from 20 communities have implemented approximately 120 Youth Bank – supported projects. Within these projects young people collaborated with the citizens in the communities, local administration, civil society organizations and businesses. This experience demonstrated that Youth Bank is a solid mechanism of engaging young people in the decision making process and in local development.

The Foundation remains one of the strongest links between the public stakeholders and the society in general. We acknowledge that all the mentioned results did not cover all of the identified needs. That is why the strategic plan “Engaging Citizens, Empowering Communities” was developed and East Europe Foundation was awarded a USD 3.2 million grant from the Swedish Government for this initiative for the period of 2012-2016. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark is supporting this program with another USD 2 million. This program has the goal to support institutional development of the East Europe Foundation, as well as to offer financial support for the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in areas such as participation in the decision making process at the central and local levels, youth initiatives, strengthening the capacities of non-profit organizations, free and fair elections, media development, social entrepreneurship, and support to vulnerable groups.

The program comprises 7 thematic projects that will lead to strengthening the position of civil society in the decision making and in the community development processes.

INSPIRED (Integrated Support for Inclusive Reform and Democratic Dialogue) is a new program supported by the European Union, aiming to facilitate the implementation of the Agenda for Action of the November 2009 Council of the European Union Conclusions on Democracy Support in EU’s External Action. Another program financed by the European Union is “Building bridges between NGOs, business associations and media of the right and left banks of Dniester River”.

In 2013-2014 East Europe Foundation will implement the Project “Civil Society to Monitor and Contribute to Transparency and Anti-Corruption Policies in Moldova” funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund. The project is supporting the participation of anti-corruption-focused activists in developing and monitoring the national anti-corruption policies using exchange of information and expertise with the government agencies responsible for preventing and fighting corruption.

We would like to express our appreciation for the support offered in 2012 by our primary donors: the Swedish Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the European Union, the United States Agency for International Development, Eurasia Foundation Washington D.C., the United States Department of State and the United Nations Democracy Fund. On behalf of the Foundation and its partners, we express our sincerest gratitude to these and other donors for their contributions to the development of our country.

Silvia Radu

President of Gas Natural Fenosa Moldova, Chair of EEF–M Board of Directors

Sorin Mereacre

President of East Europe Foundation-Moldova

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Mission Statement

E

ast Europe Foundation - Moldova (EEF-M) empowers Moldovan citizens and fosters sustainable development through education and technical assistance programs that promote democracy, advance good governance, and build economic prosperity.

EEF-M is guided by the following principles in its programming and institutional development: Being responsive to the needs and challenges of Moldova’s developing society and economy.

Fostering change in communities through best practices of sustainable development and always striving to act in the best interests of Moldovan citizens.

Believing that community members and stakeholders are to be respected as partners and colleagues in our mission.

Supporting and facilitating cooperation between civil society, governments and the private sector within communities in order to promote sustainability and ensure program ownership.

Gauging the success of a program by the marked impact it has on society and the significant change it brings about in the lives of citizens.

Respecting and embracing diversity amongst our staff, our partners and the communities we work in, without discrimination of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or political affiliation.

Practicing good stewardship with the funds and projects entrusted to us.

As a local foundation in Moldova, EEF–M works toward establishing and implementing a gender mainstreaming strategy into its grant making and operating program activities.

East Europe Foundation-Moldova Annual Report 2012

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Our Programs

E

EF-M’s programs for 2010-2012 were guided by country-specific programming priorities that were based on the country’s needs, grounded in EEF-M’s core capabilities and past experiences, and reflective of EEF-M’s support for the vision and mission of the Eurasia Foundation Network, as well as the passions and ideals of the EEF–M staff.

EEF-M programs for 2010-2012 focused on three key areas: Economic Development Good Governance Social Action

EEF-M programs for the period 2012-2016 concentrate on seven areas of intervention: Civil Society Participation and Oversight Community Mobilization for Local Development Promote Independence and Quality of Media Reporting Free and Fair Elections Social Entrepreneurship Youth Banks Support to Vulnerable Groups

Good Governance Program 2010-2012

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The Press Council organized the first public debate on the observance of presumption of innocence principle in mass-media.

and NGOs provided inputs to the Government Program for 2011-2014.

think tanks persons

>380000

>200000

2010

2009

2000<

53,74%

+4.6%

More than 380 000 people have been reached out by civic and voters mobilization campaigns during the Parliamentary Elections from November, 2010.

Joint efforts of all actors lead to a 4,6 % increase of voters participation at November 2010 Parliamentary Elections compared to July 2009 Elections.

2 Circulation Audits of 10 newspapers and magazines from Moldova were carried out and presented to the public.

10

+1,4%

citizens

Neutral and unbiased information was brought to more than 200 000 citizens through a diverse set of information channels during the General Local Elections from June 2011. As a result, the participation rate at the national level was 53,74% (1,4% increase compared to the elections from 2007).

The innovative informational platform WWW.STIRIPOZITIVE.EU

By the end of 2011, the number of active members of the Audit Bureau of Circulations and Internet has increased since 2010 from 18 to 30.

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+

was created, offering the public a positive perspective on people, things, places and events from Moldova.

                 4

10 media consumer complains were reviewed in 2011 and other 4 were reviewed in 2012.



Engaging Citizens, Empowering Communities

centers

Four European Interactive Centers in Balti (North), Cahul (South), Comrat (Gagauz Authonomy) and Chisinau continued to receive support from East Europe Foundation.

More than 2,000 young people from Moldova participated in 36 public debates and indentified priority problems as well as ways to solve them.

6 projects

În 2011 EEF supported 6 projects in the area of preventing and fighting corruption.

  

The launch of the new project of East Europe Foundation „Engaging Citizens, Empowering Communities” was also saluted in October of 2012 by the Vice Chair of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Liliana PALIHOVICI at the launching event.

The portal www.stiripozitive.eu was awarded “The debut in mass-media for 2012” by the Press Club from Chisinau – Center for Independent Journalism and the Comity for Freedom of the Press on December 13, 2012.

The Strategy for Civil Society Development for 2012-2015, adopted recently by the Parliament, foresees the creation of a favorable framework for the civil society development, the stimulation of social cohesion and the development of the social capital – objectives that also fit into the project launched by East Europe Foundation”, Ms Liliana PALIHOVICI mentioned in her speech.

In Moldova we see now a more direct access to public services through modern technology, we see improved roads and see a growing openness to civil society activity, including through the National Participating Council. And we are convinced that a country can only succeed through a strong civil society“, H.E. Ingrid TERSMAN, Ambassador of Sweden in Moldova mentioned during the launching event of the East Europe Foundation Project “Engaging Citizens, Empowering Communities”.

“VIP Magazin” recommends www.stiripozitive.eu website, calling it “new and beautiful“ and saying that it highlights the “good and beautiful side of reality.”

More and more often we hear people around us that are tired of the huge wave of negative news and the sad reality unhealthily and strongly promoted by media.”

“This is why”, “VIP Magazin” says, “people, things, places and positive events are in the center of this portal produced by the Communication Agency “URMA ta” with support from international organizations.”

Economic Development Program 2010-2012

6

ď &#x201A;

Engaging Citizens, Empowering Communities

>220 20 >100

local economic partnerships were created between Local Public Administration, Local Businesses and NGOs.

young people

communities

projects

One school equipped with solar thermal collectors to ensure warm water supply.

More than 220 young people from 20 communities in 3 districts in Moldova have implemented approximatively 100 Youth Bank â&#x20AC;&#x201C; supported projects.

1

One courtyard equipped with playground for children (including sports equipment).

ď&#x20AC;ł

150

419 pupils

After renovating the waste management system in Causeni town by installing 150 containers for mixed garbage and 20 containers for plastic waste, 50% of unauthorized landfills were reduced and incidence of gastrointestinal infections decreased by 40%.

476

young people

-40%

419 pupils and 66 teachers in Oliscani School have access to hot water due to solar thermal collectors installed in partnership with local public administration and businesses.

1000

children and adults gained experience in mobilizing social and financial capital on the local level to solve specific needs of their communities.

25 doors

The entire community in Zahoreni village, Orhei district, worked side by side to renovate the school by installing 25 energy efficient doors and 113 windows.

66

teachers

In Bobeica village and Ungheni town, about 1000 children and adults are benefiting from newly equipped playground and sports field.

113 windows

The Youth Bank Ialoveni was mentioned at the Good Practices Gala “Youth Policies Promotion in Ialoveni Rayon”, as one of the most remarkable initiatives that implements and promotes youth policies in Ialoveni. The event was held on August 24, 2012 and organized by the Rayon Council.

Through this event the Rayon Administration expresses its gratitude to the national and local partners for elaborating and implementing efficient youth policies”, Ştefan BIVOL, Vice Chair of the Ialoveni Rayon mentioned.

Savings of more than 60 percent of the financial resources will be made by the school in the village Olişcani, Şoldăneşti. This will occur due to the installation of solar panels, announces Pulse TV. As a result, both pupils and teachers have access to hot water, which was previously not accessible. Project Manager, Violeta POPA, says that the initiative group increased the area of the project implementation. If originally it was intended to install 70 radiators, after obtaining an increased financial support with $4000, the project team managed to install 100 radiators.

Social Action Program 2010-2012

180

180 orphans from 6 schools are attending two-year vocational courses on woodworking, tailoring, cooking, or agriculture, with fully equipped classes and will be further assisted in finding a job.

>1000

22 children and young people have reintegrated with their family, re-establishing relations with their parents, siblings, friends, school and community.

ď&#x201A;&#x201D; 22

170

60

430

children

social workers 60 social workers and teachers were trained on social inclusion.

Engaging Citizens, Empowering Communities

children

Over 1000 children from 4 communities in Moldova now have the possibility to enjoy their leisure time on newly established play and sports grounds.

children

170 children from rural areas were trained on human rights and social inclusion.

veterans

More than 430 Veterans of the World War II and the Chernobyl Catastrophe benefited from assistance through the charity project of East Europe Foundation and its partners.

We need clever children, healthy children”, adults from Cosnita village, Dubasari rayon affirmed, where through a joint effort of the community and EEF the school gym was renovated.

We did it for our children”, said the adults who were involved in the initiative “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, implemented by the “Indigo” Association: Verlan Tudor, Director of the “Ion Creanga” School from Cosnita and Alexei Gafeli, project coordinator.

East Europe Foundation-Moldova Annual Report 2012

Young orphans Orphans from Cahul are More Confident about Their Future Cahul Boarding School for orphan children was transformed into the Complex of Social Services for Children and Young People. EEF-Ms partner, Partnerships for Every Child contributed to the refurbishment of the vocational workshops (woodworking, tailoring, cooking, computer literacy) for young people and children residents of the center.

For those de-institutionalized youths as well as for those remaining in the residential care centers, it was a significant change. All of them were empowered through comprehensive life skills gained during trainings and vocational programs. The level of self-esteem of children and youth has also been raised as they became more confident of their capabilities.

In addition, 22 children and young people have reintegrated with their family, re-establishing relations with their parents, siblings, friends, school, and community. They are now confident about their future, feel as part of their family, and as important members of their communities.

Effective strategies and services helped to improve the quality of life of 14 young people and assist them to make successful transitions into adulthood and independence. 6 graduates were successfully integrated into society.

Another 8 youth graduating next year have been enabled to finish their studies and acquire professional skills.

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Quality Educational and Health Services Fifty children with special needs have access to quality educational and health services since the official inauguration of the newly renovated and equipped Rehabilitation (kinetotherapy) Room in kindergarten Nr.76 from Chisinau.

Children with special needs from the kindergarten Nr.76 from Riscani sector of Chisinau city now can enjoy better life conditions after inauguration of the newly renovated and equipped Rehabilitation (kinetotherapy) Room.

The initiative was implemented by East Europe Foundation. This project had the goal to offer support to children with mental and learning disorders, most of them with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy etc. by providing quality health and educational services.

“All children have the right to education, healthy development and should equally benefit from these opportunities. Children with special needs have the same rights as other kids, this is why ensuring their access to normal educational opportunities is of paramount importance. With adequate support, children from this institution will have a good earlier preparation for an integrated life”. said GUN-BRITT ANDERSSON, diplomat, Member of East Europe Foundation Board of Directors.

The Rehabilitation Room in kindergarten Nr.76 from Chisinau was created within the Project “Contributing to respecting the Rights for the Child by the Renovation and Refurbishment of a Kindergarten for Children with disabilities”, implemented by East Europe Foundation in Partnership with Department of Education, Youth and Sports of the Chisinau City Council and HIPPOCRATES NGO from financial resources offered by the Swedish Government through

the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark/DANIDA. The project envisaged the renovation of the kindergarten (change of windows and renovation of the roof, repairs of the interior) and the equipment of the Kinetotherapy Room with all necessary rehabilitation equipment. The total amount of this activity was of $125,000.

„It is of our moral duty to engage ourselves in the improvement process of the life and services for the children with special needs and this way we can ensure healthy and secure life. All children have the right to go to a kindergarten. But children with special needs require a specific support from and educational institution. It is one of the State’s obligations to guarantee such conditions, but due to the present financial state, we considered to contribute along with public authorities to the social inclusion of these children”, mentioned SORIN MEREACRE, President of the East Europe Foundation.

To ensure the success of the project, an agreement was signed with the Direction for Education, Youth and Sports of Chisinau Mayoralty and with “Hippocrates” Center.

Thus, the authorities agreed to subcontract “Hippocrates” as a provider of rehabilitation services for the children in the kindergarten.

These services will be paid from the budget of the National Health Insurance Company.

This way, children from the kindergarten will benefit of quality rehabilitation services and cooperation with the authorities will ensure the sustainability of the services provided.

East Europe Foundation-Moldova Annual Report 2012

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Gender Equality Gender Equality Creates Better Living Conditions for Citizens of Moldova Over 100 participants from Moldova and other countries gathered together in Chisinau on November 20th, 2012 at the First Edition of the International Conference â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gender Equality for Sustainable Societyâ&#x20AC;? to discuss how to ensure the equality between men and women.

The conference was attended by representatives of the Parliament, Government, local authorities, embassies accredited in Moldova, international organizations, civil society, businesses and media.

The conference, which will become an annual one, advocates for a better representation of women in all areas of public life.

The conference was structured around three thematic sessions, discussing the gender equality in the society, women participation in politics and public service and advancement of women in business.

During the sessions, the participants proposed sustainable solutions for strengthening gender equality in the society, formulated recommendations at policy and institutional level in order to strengthen women participation in politics and raised awareness on the women economic potential, articulating problems and strategies for empowering women to advance in the business and entrepreneurial sectors.

The idea for this conference was born about one year ago. The idea initially came from the business community, which saw a need for businesses to get more involved into advancing women in business and in Moldovaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic future. And, as the idea developed, more interested stakeholders got involved, and the conference found its form.

East Europe East Europe Foundation–Moldova Annual Report 2012

“Countries with higher female employment and more women in government and parliament have higher GDP levels than countries that do not. Or to put it differently, countries that want to maximize economic growth in a sustainable and inclusive way will be losing out if women are not included. In the end, it is about creating better living conditions for citizens.”

MS INGRID TERSMAN, the Swedish Ambassador to Moldova.

“I encourage men and women to join our efforts in ensuring gender equality and supporting the democratic processes in our country, every citizen benefiting of new opportunities.”

MS SILVIA RADU, Executive President, Gas Natural Fenosa Moldova.

“I am pleased to see here so many successful and prominent women from business, Government and civil society. And I hope we will continue to see an increasing number of Moldovan women able to develop their full potential and to contribute to the progress of Moldova. I am confident that if Moldova continues to liberate and develop the economic potential of women we will see the effect and continued economic growth for years to come.”

MR. WILLIAM H. MOSER, US Ambassador to Moldova.

“I welcome and applaud the Government’s openness and frankness in its report to the Committee, and its focus on economic empowerment and political participation as crucial areas moving forward. I also invite civil society to participate in the run-up to Moldova’s October 2013 review. It is an opportunity to Moldova to showcase its progress and also learn from others.”

MS NICOLA HARRINGTON-BUHAY, the UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova.

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Youth Participation The National Youth Forum: 125 young people from Moldova discussed with their peers and State authorities problems and solutions for the participation process 125 young people from all rayons of the Republic of Moldova gathered in Chisinau at the National Youth Forum to present problems and their successes and to discuss with officials youth policies. The event was organized by East Europe Foundation during June 25-26.

The National Youth Forum was opened by high level officials.

„This event is a platform for a dialogue that will scan the situation and will offer solutions for facing the challenges young people have”, CHIRIL LUCINSCHI, Chair of the Parliamentary Commission for Culture, Education, Research, Youth, Sports and Mass-media, affirmed.

His Excellency, the Ambassador of the United States of America, William H. Moser, urged the young people from Moldova to become “the vector force of the economic and social progress” and to demonstrate through their actions “what youth can do when responsibilities are assumed”.

Cristina Harea, Member of the East Europe Foundation Board of Directors mentioned that the event is of a national importance, urging the young people to keep staying on their civic positions.

The youth gathered at the Forum and worked within four workshops based on the priorities of the National Youth Strategy and generated recommendations for the decision making factors in the following fields: ensuring youth access to education and information developing health and social protection services ensuring economic opportunities for young people (youth participation at the economic life) youth participation at the public life (civic and political) and promoting active citizenship.

During the Forum the participants had public hearings at the Parliament and relevant Ministries. After the hearings, young people voted the Resolution and presented the results of the meetings with the officials responsible for youth policies in Moldova.

The National Youth Forum was organized within the “Youth Participation in Moldova” program.

The event was a follow up of the Regional Youth Forums for the Transnistrian region (Chisinau, March 26, 2012), Center (Chisinau, April 5, 2012), North (Balti, April 12, 2012) and South regions of the Country (Cahul, April 26, 2012). Within this project representatives of 36 local NGOs across the country have received training in project development, fundraising, and debate organization and with this knowledge collaborated with local authorities and community members, to implement projects addressing the most pressing needs, identified in public consultations/debates at the local level.

East Europe East Europe Foundation–Moldova Annual Report 2012

Also the national youth portal www.tineri.md was launched.

A grants competition for youth NGOs has also been organized.

„The event offers the possibility to express our wishes and I think that the event will have a positive impact on our future. In addition, the Forum stimulates us to continue the good things that we started”.

MARINA ZEAMĂ, leader of the Youth Bank from Ungheni

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Press Councils Press Councils from Moldova and Russia cooperate for the sake of respecting ethical norms at one of the Russian TV Channels that broadcasts in Moldova After the broadcast of the talk show „Pust` govoreat” from 24 September 2012, at Pervîi Kanal television channel from Russia, the Press Council from Republic of Moldova filed a complaint to the Press Council of Russian Federation (Rus: Общественная коллегия по жалобам на прессу Российской Федерации), requesting the assessment of the observance of journalistic professional ethics norms in the show.

The complaint of Moldova Press Council refers as well to the provisions of Convention on Child’s Rights, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations Organisation on November 20, 1989, Recommendations and principles for covering materials on children, formulated by the International Federation of Journalists, Professional ethics code of the journalist from Russia and the Chart of TV and radio broadcasters from Russia.

This TV show discussed the recently occurred situation in a village from Floreşti district, Republic of Moldova, when a teenage boy was beaten and humiliated by a teenage girl and her friends, and the video records of the degrading event were posted in the Internet.

The under-age participants of this occurrence were invited on the stage of „Pusti govoreat” show, being asked to retell everything in detail, and answer to the insistent and frequentlyprovoking questions of the presenter and other guests, they were exposed to public opprobrium, exteriorizing their feelings and repeatedly living the unpleasant situation which affected them psychologically.

The video images with the humiliating and degrading treatment to which one of the teenagers was subject were broadcasted several times during the show, without applying any specific means to protect the image of the child.

The Press Council from Russian Federation published the Decision „With regard to the complaint of Press Council from Republic of Moldova against the talk show „Pust` govoreat” (Pervîi Kanal) that mentioned the serious infringement made during the show and its presenter of generally-accepted ethical norms and professional deontology norms, which oblige the journalists to defend the rights and dignity of children.

This case stands for a premiere in the collaboration of press councils from different ex-Soviet countries while examining complaints targeting journalistic ethics.

Press Council web site: www.consiliuldepresa.md

“Engaging Citizens, Empowering Communities” Program 2012-2016 YOUTH BANKS Based on the previous experience acquired during 2009-2011, whereby 3 Youth Banks where set up in Cahul, Ialoveni and Ungheni districts of Moldova and a total of were supported small

by Youth Banks, projects East Europe Foundation plans to set up 4 new Youth Banks in Balti, Comrat, Soroca and Varnita.

COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

20

120

10

EEF support for the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections, which united more than

200

member organizations

CIVIL SOCIETY PARTICIPATION AND OVERSIGHT During the last seven years, EEF was actively engaged in building such strong citizen oversight platforms as the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections and the Anti-Corruption Alliance. EEF was also instrumental in supporting the National Participation Council.

Support will be provided to the country’s key civil society coalitions that are connected to the public policy process: from policy formulation to its implementation and monitoring. Such coalitions and platforms include, but are not limited to the National Participation Council (NPC), the National Council of NGOs, the Anti-Corruption Alliance, the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections, Alliance of NGOs for the Social Protection of Children and Families and ProGen Alliance, which advocates for advancing gender equality in Moldova.

Assistance will be offered to develop innovative media products and projects.

SUPPORT TO VULNERABLE GROUPS

6

FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS

has now a special accent on better representation of women in the national parliament and local governments and for a better access of people with disabilities to the electoral process. During the parliamentary elections, to take place in 2014, EEF will support a sampled approach to election observation.

PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE AND QUALITY OF MEDIA REPORTING EEF will support the Press Council (PC) to promote the self-regulatory mechanism among media consumers and to engage with similar institutions from the region.

300

&

civil society organizations

20 communities, including 3 from Transnistrian region and 20 Civil Society Organizations will benefit of support for community mobilization initiatives, using the human rights principles of equality, non-discrimination, accountability, participation and transparency.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP Better employment and social opportunities for vulnerable groups in 10 communities, including the Transnistrian region, through social enterprises will be created. EEF will commission a base-line study that will reveal adequate supporting mechanism for social entrepreneurship in Moldova communities and will organize a series of training programs.

children from

communities

orphanages

benefited of support for their social inclusion. More communities from the country will receive support in the process of social integration of vulnerable groups. The program will include the elaboration of methodological manuals for stakeholders.

An international event in Chisinau can create a “beautiful song” in the context of the Eurasia Foundation Network meeting.” It is the testimony of Horton BEEBE-CENTER, President of the Eurasia Foundation, based in Washington, mentioning together with his colleagues from the 5 partner foundations that this meeting in Chisinau, held in October 2012, is “an incredibly positive event“.

We state here and now that in Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union, including Moldova, there are many positive and interesting trends of social activism, of creating new social organizations and new methods of solving problems.

And we can learn from each other”, Andrei KORTUNOV, President of the New Eurasia Foundation says.

We are strongly interested in EEF-Moldova experience in involving young people in decision making processes. Indeed youth initiatives in Moldova supported

by EEF, are really impressive”, Viktor LIAH, Executive Director of EEF Ukraine says.

East Europe Foundation-Moldova Annual Report 2012

EEF-M Programs for the period of 2012-2016

O

n June 1st, 2012, East Europe Foundation was awarded with a USD 3.2 million grant from the Swedish Government for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Engaging Citizens, Empowering Communitiesâ&#x20AC;?

Initiative. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark/DANIDA is supporting this program with USD 2 million.

This program has the goal to support institutional development of the East Europe Foundation, as well as to offer financial support to the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in areas such as participation in the decision making process at the central and local levels, youth initiatives, strengthening the capacities of nonprofit organizations, free and fair elections, media development, social entrepreneurship, and support for vulnerable groups. The program will be implemented during the period of 2012-2016.

The program comprises 7 thematic projects that will lead to strengthening the position of civil society in the decision making and in the community development processes.

Nongovernmental organizations will be encouraged to participate more actively at the development, implementation and monitoring of public policies at national level, will be engaged in promoting an inclusive and transparent electoral process and will contribute to observing the ethical and professional standards by Moldovan media.

In addition, East Europe Foundation will offer support for the civil initiative groups from 20 rural communities in addressing local problems, will work to ensure better employment and social opportunities for vulnerable people in 10 communities through supporting creation of social enterprises and will offer better access to educational services for children with disabilities in four communities. The Foundation will continue supporting the Youth Banks, involving young people from 6 rayons of the country in identifying and addressing problems of their communities.

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Building Bridges Building bridges between NGOs, business associations and media from Moldova, including Transnistrian region, Ukraine and Russia On September 19, 2012, East Europe Foundation – Moldova (EEF-M) has signed a contract with European Union Delegation in Moldova and was awarded a grant for the project “Building bridges between NGOs, business associations and media from Moldova, Ukraine and Russia for conflict prevention in Transnistria”. The Swedish Government is co-financing the project.

This project supports the cooperation between the actors from Moldova (including the Transnistrian region), Ukraine and Russia and uses a non-political approach to strengthen the relations between them.

The activities of the project will facilitate the implementation of the EU/Moldova Action Plan, thus contributing to the implementation of its objectives to support the active involvement of the civil society, to promote the democratic values and the respect of

human rights in Transnistria and to consolidate the regional cooperation, especially with Ukraine in order to improve the dialogue with the Tansnistrian region.

At the same time the action will support the EU/ Russia priorities stated in the Common Space on External Security under EU/Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, referring to joint engagement of EU and Russia in strengthening stability, notably in regions adjacent to their borders, namely in Transnistria. In this context, the involvement of the civil society’ actors from the Republic of Moldova (especially from the Transnistrian region), Ukraine and Russia and the creation of cooperation networks between NGOs, mass-media and businesses in the Transnistrian region will lead to mutual understanding by the participation of the nongovernmental actors.

East Europe East Europe Foundation–Moldova Annual Report 2012

PROJECT GOAL:

ACTIVITIES:

This project aims to strengthen the role of civil society organizations and networks from Transnistria in the process of solving community issues.

The project foresees research activities, trainings, study visits and support of community development initiatives. The project envisages the creation of a regional news portal that will collect and place non-political news from all the regions covered by the project.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES: � To boost the capacity of civil society organizations, business community and media in the region to meaningfully participate in the process of solving problems at the local level. � To strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations and networks in creating social mechanisms of dialogue building.

EXPECTED RESULTS: Population in Transnistria will be active and able to respond to the community needs through local NGOs involvement.

PROJECT PARTNERS: New Eurasia Foundation (Russia) East Europe Foundation (Ukraine) European Partnership for Democracy (Belgium)

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Democratic Dialogue INSPIRED – A new culture of democratic dialogue INSPIRED (Integrated Support for Inclusive Reform and Democratic Dialogue) is a new program supported by the European Union, aiming to facilitate the implementation of the Agenda for Action of the November 2009 Council of the European Union Conclusions on Democracy Support in EU’s External Action.

INSPIRED fosters the culture of democratic dialogue in countries undergoing transition, based on the principles of political pluralism, inclusiveness and participation amongst political, governmental, business and civil society stakeholders in participatory development and implementation of national reform agendas.

OBJECTIVES AT THE COUNTRY LEVEL � To promote a culture of dialogue in the targeted

countries is the core objective of the action. � To support the generation of a culture of trust and

consensus amongst local stakeholders in specific issue areas.

At the country level, INSPIRED will focus on key reforms that have sound social impact and require broad participation, public discussion and consensus- and confidence-building.

Between 2013 and 2015 INSPIRED will support five reform processes in five countries: Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Morocco and Tunisia.

The promotion of a culture of dialogue in the targeted countries is the core objective of the action. Dialogue and trust are preconditions to building sustainable national agendas for political and institutional reform. INSPIRED will support the generation of a culture of trust and consensus amongst local stakeholders in specific issue areas. This will lead to the establishment of “Roadmaps”, which will define a basic policy framework for policy and institutional reform, shared by a wide array of local political and social actors.

In the case of Moldova, INSPIRED, implemented

by European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) in cooperation with East Europe Foundation (EEF) and the Netherlads Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD, The Netherlands) is fostering the policy dialogue and participation to support the conclusion, further implementation and evaluation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement of the EU and Moldova (DCFTA) and the correlated objectives of the “Moldova 2020” National Development Strategy.

East Europe East Europe Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Moldova Annual Report 2012

This will be achieved through a comprehensive consultation process involving various Moldovan governmental agencies with civil society actors (business associations, think tanks, the National Participation Council and trade unions etc.), as well as political parties and donors.

The action will open space for a collective design of a Roadmap for the targeted reforms and, more generally, to reinforce the capacity of stakeholders (including institutional actors) to monitor the implementation of policies.

Each country programme is designed to deal with the social, political and institutional specificities, while a shared methodology ensures the compatibility and comparability of the outcomes of the five programmes.

OBJECTIVES AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL ďż˝ To contribute to strengthening the coherence and

coordination of the EU international development cooperation instruments. ďż˝ To facilitate the alignment of the development

co-operation instruments and technical assistance in order to further support those processes of change.

On the global level, INSPIRED will contribute to strengthening the coherence and coordination

of the EU international development cooperation instruments. Based on the outcomes of these five processes, the program will seek to work with EU External Action Service and active donors in facilitating the alignment of the development co-operation instruments and technical assistance in order to further support those processes of change. INSPIRED will connect the participatory policy processes in beneficiary countries to the programming of EU assistance. The alignment of the cooperation instruments with the priorities established in the Roadmaps will reinforce the principle of democratic ownership. This, in turn, constitutes a solid base for strengthening the implementation of the Agenda for Action and the EU Toolkit for the Implementation of Complementarity and the Division of Labour in Development Policy. Lastly, INSPIRED will incorporate in its methodology the EU Guidelines on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and the EU Guide on Gender Mainstreaming.

INSPIRED will constitute an effective platform for the transmission and implementation of international standards in each of the policy areas, by facilitating international exchange of experience.

30

Financial Statement EAST EUROPE FOUNDATION - MOLDOVA SUMMARY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 (all amounts stated are in USD)

East Europe Foundation-Moldova Annual Report 2012

EAST EUROPE FOUNDATION - MOLDOVA SUMMARY STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 (all amounts stated are in USD)

32

Independent Auditorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report

EurasiaFoundation FoundationNetwork Network Eurasia Eurasia Foundation was created in in 1992 to to empower people of of thethe former Soviet Union to to actively Eurasia Foundation was created 1992 empower people former Soviet Union actively participate in in thethe social andand economic development of of their countries. participate social economic development their countries.

Since 2004, Eurasia Foundation has evolved from a U.S.-based foundation with multiple field offices into the Eurasia Foundation Network â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a constellation of affiliated, locally registered foundations U.S. EurasiaAsia, Foundation in OFFICE Russia, Central the South Caucasus, Ukraine, and Moldova that work in partnership withNW the U.S. foundation and form the Eurasia 1350 Connecticut Avenue, Foundation Suite 1000 Network.

Washington, DC 20036 Eurasia Foundation Network promotes stability and prosperity Tel:The 1-202-234-7370 the Eurasia region by supporting institutions that advance Fax:throughout 1-202-234-7377 open, pluralistic and entrepreneurial societies. Our programs harness E-mail: eurasia@eurasia.org the energy and aspirations of ordinary citizens seeking to improve the Website: http://www.eurasia.org schools, businesses and government in the communities where they live and work. We encourage cooperation across sectors and borders to address problems of mutual concern. As a network of six partner foundations rooted in local communities yet linked to international donors and experts, the Eurasia Foundation Network channels resources expertise to(FNE) the region and connects its citizens to the New Eurasiaand Foundation world.

3/9,wider 3rd Syromyatnichesky per., bldg 1 4th floor 105120, Moscow, Russian Federation Tel: 7-495-970-1567 OFFICE Fax:U.S. 7-495-970-1568 Eurasia Foundation Email: reception@neweurasia.ru 1350 Connecticut Avenue, NW Website: http://www.neweurasia.ru Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 1-202-234-7370 Fax: 1-202-234-7377 Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF) E-mail: eurasia@eurasia.org Office of the President Website: Street http://www.eurasia.org 3 Kavsadze Tbilisi 0179, Georgia Tel/Fax: 995-32-22-32-64 Email: info@epfound.ge Website: http://www.epfound.ge New Eurasia Foundation (FNE) 3/9, 3rd Syromyatnichesky per., bldg 1 4th floor 105120,FOUNDATION Moscow, Russian Federation EURASIA REGIONAL OFFICES Tel: 7-495-970-1567 Eurasia Foundation - Kyiv 7-495-970-1568 55 Fax: Velyka Vasylkivska, 3rd floor reception@neweurasia.ru KyivEmail: 03680, Ukraine Website: http://www.neweurasia.ru Tel/Fax: 38-044-200-38-24/25/26/27 Email: eurasia@eurasia.kiev.ua New Eurasia Establishment EurasiaPeramozhtsau, Partnership Foundation 5 Praspekt Suite 218 (EPF) Office of the President Minsk 220004, Belarus Kavsadze Street Tel:3375-172-269-095 Tbilisi 0179, Georgia Email: office@eurasia.by Tel/Fax:http://www.eurasia.by 995-32-22-32-64 Website: Email: info@epfound.ge Website: http://www.epfound.ge

Eurasia Foundation of of Central Asia (EFCA) Eurasia Foundation Central Asia (EFCA) Office of the President Office of the President 1010 Kurmangaliev Str.Str. Kurmangaliev Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan Tel: 7-727-250-18-10 Tel: 7-727-250-18-10 Fax: 7-727-250-18-11 Fax: 7-727-250-18-11 Email: eurasia@efcentralasia.org Email: eurasia@efcentralasia.org Website: http://www.ef-ca.org/en/ Website: http://www.ef-ca.org/en/ EAST EUROPE FOUNDATION

East Europe Foundation-Ukraine East Europe Foundation-Ukraine Office President Office of of thethe President Velyka Vasylkivska, 3rd floor 5555 Velyka Vasylkivska, 3rdKyiv floor03680, Ukraine KyivTel/Fax: 03680,38-044-200-38-24/25/26/27 Ukraine Tel/Fax: Email:38-044-200-38-24/25/26/27 info@eef.org.ua Email: info@eef.org.ua Website: http://eef.org.ua Website: http://eef.org.ua East Europe Foundation-Moldova 98,Europe 31 August 1989 str., 3rd floor East Foundation-Moldova 98,2004 31 August 1989 str., 3rdoffloor Chisinau, Republic Moldova 2004 Republic of54-81-02 Moldova Tel.:Chisinau, 373-22-23-53-43; Tel.:Fax: 373-22-23-53-43; 373-22-54-23-3854-81-02 Fax:Email: 373-22-54-23-38 info@eef.md Email: info@eef.md http://www.eef.md http://www.eef.md

EURASIA FOUNDATION REGIONAL OFFICES Eurasia Foundation - Kyiv 55 Velyka Vasylkivska, 3rd floor Kyiv 03680, Ukraine Tel/Fax: 38-044-200-38-24/25/26/27 Email: eurasia@eurasia.kiev.ua New Eurasia Establishment 5 Praspekt Peramozhtsau, Suite 218 Minsk 220004, Belarus Tel: 375-172-269-095 Email: office@eurasia.by Website: http://www.eurasia.by

East Europe Foundation-Moldova Annual Report 2012

EAST EUROPE FOUNDATION-MOLDOVA 98, 31 August 1989 str., 3rd floor 2004 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova Tel.: 373-22-23-53-43; 54-81-02 Fax: 373-22-54-23-38 Email: info@eef.md http://www.eef.md

This publication is made possible by the generous support of the Swedish Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark/DANIDA through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Eurasia Foundation.

The contents are the responsibility of East Europe Foundation and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swedish Government, Sida, Denmark MFA/DANIDA, Eurasia Foundation, USAID and/or the United States Government.