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• Status: Closed
• Thematic area: Civic activism and participation
• Country: Moldova
• Year approved:2017

Helal Ornek NGO

• Name of organisation / initiative supported: Helal Ornek NGO
• Start date: 1 November 2017
• End date: 31 October 2018

Initiative summary:

In Gagauz Autonomous Region of Moldova, youth activism faces important obstacles. On the one hand, civic activism is most often equated with charity and provision of social services to the poor and vulnerable.

On the other hand, it is a highly politicised issue, being widely seen as engagement in the geopolitical struggle or in the internal political competition. Support from EED will enable the NGO Helal Ornek to provide alternative opportunities for neutral civic activism rooted in democratic values. The initiative will bring together civic activists, artists, musicians, young intellectuals and writers from Ciadir-Lunga (one of three districts in Gagauzia) to exchange ideas and visions for Gagauzia and their community. In particular it will empower young activists to engage the public, organise events and build sustainable leadership skills as a result. Additionally, the project will promote the rights of the Gagauz minority by enhancing its capacity for self-organisation around local issues important to citizens, away from geopolitical concerns.