Dave Santulli, Founder & Executive Director just returned from an inspiring trip to the country of Moldova in Eastern Europe. He spent time with United Planet’s Moldovan partner and met many incredible people. Check out what he has to say about the country as well as some great photo memories he has shared with us…
“How did the economic crisis affect you in Moldova?” I asked Alina, our Moldovan partner as we traveled by taxi to the other side of Chisinau, Moldova’s capital, for our next appointment. “Well, to tell you the truth, Moldova is kind of like in a permanent economic crisis,” she answered.
With an annual income of $2,500 per person, Moldova ranks along with Kosovo, as one of the poorest countries in Europe. Of over 6 million Moldovans, about 2 million live outside of Moldova, both legally and illegally, so that they can send funds home to support their families. Most families simply can’t afford to cover the costs of living, including oil to heat their homes. Many Moldovans go to Russia to find work. Others go to Italy, Spain, and Portugal among others.
David Santulli, Executive Director of United Planet, with Tatiana, Director of Children’s Center, and the children.
There is a demand for common laborers, but with salaries just over $100 per month for these jobs, not many people can afford to take them. Other job seekers with university degrees simply can’t find work; companies are just not hiring.
Despite the challenges, I found the people I met to be kind, educated, and filled with a sense of dignity. In fact, their resilience and creativity in the face of so much adversity is truly inspiring. Here are just a few of their stories:
One well-known Moldovan, named Andrei, went to the US for an international experience and came back with fresh ideas and a new global perspective. He went on to start a pizza chain, called Andy’s Pizza, which is now the largest chain of family restaurants in Moldova. Andy then reestablished the traditions of Moldovan national cuisine by opening a chain of national family restaurants, called La Plăcinte after a famous Moldovan dish.
Andrei also does a lot of charity work within Moldova. I was lucky enough to dine at La Plăcinte and the cuisine was divine! The food tasted that much better knowing that this inspired entrepreneur provides jobs to so many people and that he really cares about giving back to his country.
Outdoor artist kiosk, based on a Khrushchev designed Soviet era home
I also had the pleasure to meet the team from the Oberliht Association. Oberliht, meaning small window in German, aims to create opportunities for new artists to share their voices and their visions.
Oberliht is enriching the community through cultivating the creative human spirit; from building a venue for events and exhibits based on a Khrushchev designed Soviet era home, to engaging artists in Moldova and beyond in dialogue about the empowerment of artists. Volunteers are needed to assist Oberliht in their important work.
Another inspiring social entrepreneur, named Tatiana, has shown extraordinary commitment and perseverance in caring for children in need through an innovative after school center.
For over twenty years with the support of a dedicated team, Tatiana has turned the center into an important force within the community and provided a range of educational and personal development opportunities to orphans and children from struggling families.
Children at the Center working with a volunteer.
These innovators are an inspiration to us all. One drop at a time, they are rejuvenating the Moldovan spirit and fighting to uplift this struggling nation.
International volunteers can play important roles to support their efforts. Through our ICYE partner in Moldova, United Planet offers long-term volunteer opportunities and we are exploring the opportunity to offer shorter term volunteering options.
As Tatiana Melnic of the Children’s Center – Viiturul, said, “the children’s future is our future.” Can’t we say the same about the future of Moldova and our own? After all, we live in an increasingly interconnected world.
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United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
