Between September-October 2021, the Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi) organized the first RurACT Academy for 10 local partner NGOs within the project “ReThink Rural Moldova”.
The aim of the three sessions of the RurACT Academy was to develop the capacities of 10 local NGOs to embrace a broader understanding of the concept of rural development and to support the holistic development of this sector. Within the RurACT Academy, the 10 partner NGOs learned about cooperating with state authorities and citizens in the process of dialogue on rural development policies at the local level.
Within the RurACT Academy, the participants addressed in detail the concept of rural development in the Republic of Moldova taking into account a series of socio-economic and demographic realities of the Republic of Moldova. The lack of country vision on the subject of rural development was especially discussed.
“We want to teach people not only to understand correctly but also to communicate with state authorities about the concept of rural development in order to change the approach to rural development in Moldova so that it better serves rural citizens and society in general.” – Ruslan Stanga, independent expert on rural development policies.
Equipped with the necessary tools in the field of rural development, the 10 local NGOs will organize the first round tables at the district level with the participation of various local stakeholders where they will discuss and dialogue in the most practical way about the need to rethink the concept of rural development in the Republic of Moldova. A total of 20 round tables will be organized within the project. The discussions will be based on data and evidence on the realities and needs of rural development in the Republic of Moldova.
“Now I understand that rural development is not only about agricultural development, but also about developing opportunities in the community, improving people’s quality of life… but this requires citizens and local stakeholders’ involvement.” – Larisa Folesteanu, NGO Inter Media, Marculesti, Floresti district.
The project “ReThink Rural Moldova” will provide specific understandings of current situations and will present a series of recommendations to existing rural development policies (referring mainly to regional development and agricultural development).
The activity is part of the project “ReThink Rural Moldova”, implemented by the Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi) and local partners with the support of the US Embassy in the Republic of Moldova.