The rising demand for a young and well-educated workforce, in particular skilled workers and craftsmen, combined with a high rate of youth unemployment often due to insufficient training and education, have made it necessary to rethink the current educational and vocational training system of the Republic of Moldova. In order to address the tense socio-economic situation in the country, Moldova is making efforts to modernise the sector concerning vocational training and the school-to-job transition process. In doing so, Moldavian authorities have shown great interest in the Austrian expertise regarding the vocational training sector and asked for Austria’s support in the conceptualisation of an effective system of job orientation and career guidance. To this end, a joint workshop was held from September 2-5, 2013 organized by the Attaché of the Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs and HOPE’87, during which Moldavian stakeholders were given insights into the current structure of Austrian job orientation as well as into diverse measures, initiatives and campaigns relating to school-to-job transition management.

Project Background: 

The Republic of Moldova ranks amongst the poorest countries in Europe with an average income per capita of about €180 per month. Financial as well as infrastructural constraints particularly affect the people living in more remote rural areas of the country. Notably, families with children suffering from chronic disease or disability are struggling to address the special needs of their children, in terms of medication, treatment, education and development. The successfully completed HOPE’87 project supporting the establishment of an educational centre at the Institute of Oncology in Chisinau stands out as an example of excellent bilateral cooperation and sustainable project management. Officials and representatives inspecting the project’s development and social impact include: His Excellency Dr Reinhold Lopatka, then State Secretary for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria; His Excellency Mr Mihai Moldovanu, (former) Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova (RoM) or the Minister of Education and the Minister of Labour of the Republic of Moldova as well as the Managing Director of the Austrian Development Agency. These figures expressed their satisfaction with the work of HOPE’87 and underlined their support for future activities in the country. Building on the success of the aforementioned education centre, HOPE’87 has launched several new activities in Moldova, dealing with supporting marginalised youth.