‘Opening Doors’ has a new partner in Moldova – CERI International

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Opening Doors for Europe’s Children’ campaign became stronger in Moldova thanks to a new national partner– CERI International. CERI has become the 8th national partner of the campaign in Moldova. 

“We have decided to join this campaign because it resonates with our activities in Moldova, but also because of the values we embrace. We are here to help disadvantaged families overcome their economic and social challenges so that they could raise their children in a warm and happy environment of a home,” said Ecaterina Babin, National Programme Director of CERI International in Moldova.

CERI (Children’s Emergency Relief International) is a faith-based organisation which provides child-centred services and programmes through family and community empowerment and the development of a child-friendly society. CERI has been operating in Moldova for 16 years and the main programmes are focused on providing family-based care solutions for orphaned children, as well as supporting care leavers in their transition to independent living. Not only do the children receive shelter, clothing, and food there, they also gain love, care, social and interpersonal skills. The CERI team ensures that they receive education and develop social skills which will enable their successful social inclusion and personal development as responsible and fully fledged members of society. The adolescents receive life skills training and financial support to continue their education; they are also involved in volunteer work.

“With each new member, our voice becomes stronger and our message is heard by more people – families, partners, central and local authorities, and donors,” said Liliana Rotaru, the President of CCF/HHC Moldova and the national coordinator of the Opening Doors campaign in Moldova.

Opening Doors for Europe’s Children in Moldova was launched in the first phase of the campaign in June 2013; in December 2016, it transitioned into the second phase. In Moldova, the campaign is coordinated by CCF/HHC Moldova and is supported by the following civil society organizations: the Alliance of NGOs working in the field of child and family social protection (APSCF), Amici Dei Bambini, AVE COPIII, Keystone Human Services International Moldova, Partnerships for Every Child and ‘Speranta’ Resource Centre and CERI International.  Through work with a network of national partners, the campaign advocates for policies and public investment that would strengthen families and support the transition from institutional to family- and community-based care. In Moldova, the campaign advocates for continuation of child protection system reform, development of community- and family-based services, banning institutionalisation of children under the age of three and appropriate allocation of funds for the social services.

  • Read more about the progress with deinstitutionalisation reforms in Moldova here.
  • For further details please contact:  Lina Botnaru, Communication and Advocacy Coordonator, CCF/HHC Moldova, tel: +(373) 060637070, e-mail: lina.botnaru@ccfmoldova.org