Interactive Leadership and Civic Engagement Programme for Youth in the North of the Country

In northern Moldova, we introduced young people to the key skills and development tools that foster leadership, communication, and civic engagement through an interactive programme funded by the European Union.

In a period marked by social changes and challenges, supporting active leaders is more important than ever. That is why we value every civil society initiative that creatively involves young people in developing projects for their communities.

CIDP ANIMA launched a high-impact initiative by organising the "CATalizator Social" winter school. This is a programme designed to help young people aged 15 to 25 develop leadership, communication, and civic engagement skills, equipping them with the necessary tools to bring positive change to their communities.

The winter school held three sessions across January and February, bringing together participants from 10 regions in northern Moldova: Drochia, Florești, Fălești, Sângerei, Glodeni, Rîșcani, Dondușeni, Bălți, Edineț, and Soroca. During these sessions, participants explored key topics such as:

• Writing and managing projects;

• Effective communication with local public authorities;

• Civic participation and solving community issues;

• Ways to involve young people in local decision-making processes.

Each session lasted three days, during which participants engaged in training, workshops, and practical exercises. From the very first day, participants were encouraged to establish common rules and build connections through dynamic activities such as the "BINGO" game and the "Problem Tree" method.

Participants were encouraged to apply for funding for small community projects upon completing the programme. Fifteen of the best initiatives received financial support of up to 6,000 MDL each (approximately €300), ensuring the implementation of the best ideas developed by the participants. With the support of mentors, they will be able to turn their concepts into reality and have a direct impact on their communities.

The final day of each session was dedicated to reflection and feedback; participants shared their impressions and lessons learned. The atmosphere was full of energy, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to get involved. The participants returned home with new perspectives and motivation.

"We came here with the goal of learning how to write a project, how to implement it, how to set a budget, and I think we absorbed all this information. It was a great experience—the environment, the mentors, the location—everything was organised at a high level,"

shared a participant.

The winter school was implemented by CIDP ANIMA in partnership with People in Need Moldova as part of the "Moldova ASSIST: Improving Access to Quality Public Services and Social Cohesion" project, funded by the European Union.

Through this initiative, CIDP ANIMA continues to inspire and educate future generations of young leaders, providing them with the necessary resources to make a difference in their communities.