Peace Corps Programs in Moldova
The Republic of Moldova is a country in change. Recognizing this, the government of Moldova has expressed concern that a lack of English proficiency, especially in the areas of environment, agriculture, trade, and business development, will inhibit economic and cultural interaction with the West. Moldova's education system is in critical need of qualified teachers in the fields of English language and health, as well as for resources and instructional materials. Peace Corps Volunteers are helping through programs in agriculture, economic and organizational development, English language, and health education.
Business Development
As part of the Economic and Organizational Development program, Volunteers promote social and economic development using participatory approaches. Since the basis of the Moldovan economy is agriculture, most of the country's economic development is focused within organized groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that promote technical and organizational development in agriculture. However, other NGO partners are working in both economic and social development areas. These organizations are building awareness, organizing community action, and promoting youth leadership through activities in agriculture, environment, education and cultural awareness.
Education
Moldova faces a critical shortage of English resources of all kinds. Established English language programs, qualified instructors, written and audiovisual materials, and contact with native speakers are all needed. The political and economic changes in the country have generated a great interest in quality foreign language instruction. Volunteers are teaching English as a foreign language in smaller cities, regional centers, and villages.
Health
The Peace Corps initiated a health education project in August 1997 to assist the Ministry of Education in addressing its concerns about the lack of health information in the country. The project was motivated by the need to promote preventive health care in Moldova, to enhance the teaching skills and techniques of Moldovan health education workers, and to help them develop appropriate materials and curricula relevant to local needs.
Beginning in 2000, the project's activities were oriented toward schools and other community agencies, such as health centers, preventive medicine and family planning centers, and health non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Health Education project has been able to extend its collaboration to the Ministry of Health and various youth NGOs. Volunteers now work on developing adequate health education materials for their communities. Working with the Ministry of Education, Volunteers are assigned to schools throughout the country where they co-teach specific lessons on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, fitness, sexuality, alcohol, drugs, smoking, self-esteem, and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, Volunteers are developing health education resource centers, health clubs, and "Girls In Development" clubs for their communities.
