AGORA CE o.p.s. in cooperation with the Training and Development Institute “MilleniuM” in Moldova is implementing a project aimed at strengthening active citizenship among Moldovan youth. Thanks to the support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, an intensive program of training teachers and youth workers in the field of experiential learning will be held from January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
Why is this important?
In Moldova, young people face significant obstacles to engaging in public life and civic activities. Key problems are limited access to information, especially in rural areas, where public decision-making processes are often non-transparent. Local authorities lack open communication channels, which prevents many young people from learning about their rights and opportunities to participate in public governance. Even when young people do get involved in decision-making, their participation is often only formal, without real decision-making power or clearly defined roles, which has minimal impact on policy.
These problems exacerbate the structural weaknesses of youth organisations, which often lack sufficient capacity to advocate for youth interests, effective communication channels and the necessary resources. Limited cooperation between public administration and the youth sector further isolates young people’s voices from key decisions. This leads to ineffective local youth councils, which struggle with low budgets and minimal influence. Marginalised groups such as people with disabilities and Roma youth face additional barriers, including inaccessible infrastructure and discriminatory attitudes.
While some progress has been made at the national level in consultation mechanisms and legal frameworks, the voices of young people in Moldova are still underrepresented and undervalued. The country faces many socio-political and economic challenges, including high levels of emigration of young people seeking better opportunities abroad and pressure from the influx of Ukrainian refugees. Politically, Moldova is torn between pro-European aspirations and historical ties to Russia, which complicates foreign policy, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Economically, low wages, limited job opportunities and widespread poverty are holding back development.
Given these challenges faced by young people in Moldova – limited civic engagement opportunities, token participation and skills gaps – this project is essential to support active citizenship. By training youth workers, teachers and youth centre staff through simulation games focused on civic engagement, the project offers a practical approach to building civic competences. Simulation games are a proven experiential learning tool that leads to an “aha” effect on the part of students. Moreover, AGORA CE has experience in developing such games and playing them in different settings with excellent feedback and demand from schools and municipalities. This project will help build the capacity of youth centres and strengthen their position in the municipalities.
What will happen?
Project participants will learn about the innovative method of simulation games, which serve as an effective tool for developing civic competences. Together, they will participate in the development of games that will be adapted to the specific conditions of the Moldovan environment. These games and methodological materials will then be published online and in print and disseminated among professionals and NGOs
Impact on communities
In fifteen youth centers and schools throughout Moldova, trained workers will motivate young people to implement small community projects. Thanks to these activities, young people will gain a sense of responsibility and belonging to their environment, while at the same time acquiring important personal, professional and civic skills. The project will enable them to actively contribute to the development of their municipalities and cities.
Who will participate in the project?
The project is intended for youth workers (25-40 years old), teachers (30-50 years old) and education professionals in Moldova. The final beneficiaries of the project will be young people aged 14-20, who will have the opportunity to develop their skills and actively participate in the life of their communities.
Project objectives
To train youth workers and teachers from 15 educational institutions in experiential learning tools that will help them develop critical thinking and civic competences in young people.
To engage youth in 15 locations across Moldova in community activities and educate them in the field of civic participation.
This project has the potential to support active citizenship and strengthen the role of young people in the development of Moldovan society.
The project was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic under the Transformation Cooperation Programme of the Czech Republic.
