by Stas Ghiletchi, Local Correspondent from Moldova COVID-19 has shut the world’s schools. Since the start of the pandemic, over 100 countries had taken a decision to close the classrooms. The Republic of Moldova followed the example of other countries and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research suspended the education process in early March. Initially,
How COVID-19 changed life in Belarus: restaurants send food to hospitals, teachers sew face masks, and volunteers deliver them by Valeria Volkogonova, Local Correspondent from Belarus and Alexandra Savinich (Office for European Expertise and Communications) Many civic activists, NGO leaders, and managers work from home for almost two months. Self-isolation is voluntary in Belarus, and
by Maksym Mazypchuk, Local Correspondent from Ukraine. Since 2014, Ukraine has been conducting a political decentralization process that seeks to empower local self-governments and communities. The powers and funds are being transferred to the local level. Ukrainian cities are massively launching programs of participatory budgeting for increasing the residents’ awareness process of local budget forming
by Mari Chakryan, Local Correspondent from Armenia The involvement of women in political life, especially in community governance, remains low in Armenia, despite the fact that since 2004 the Government has adopted decrees and elaborated documents on enhancing the role of women in society to ensure equal opportunities. However, the percentage of women continues to
by Maksym Mazypchuk, Local Correspondent from Ukraine. In January 2020, the Ukrainian Wikipedia celebrated its 16th anniversary and announced the contest for the best articles. Since 2015, the Wikimarathon has been held annually on the birthday of the Ukrainian Wikipedia. The number of visitors to the Ukrainian Wikipedia is growing very fast. It is one
by Stas Ghiletchi, Local Correspondent from Moldova Local authorities are reluctant to encourage citizen participation because they believe that community involvement will put additional pressure on budgetary resources which are already very limited. The perception of the authorities is that citizens will get involved only to ask for more money for local services and infrastructure projects.
by Mari Chakryan, Local Correspondent from Armenia The eco-activists’ movement started in Armenia in 1988. In the newly independent Armenia, the movement reached new heights in the face of new challenges, international obligations assumed by Armenia under numerous conventions, and the introduction of a new legal framework and democratic values. In 2005, when the government planned to
by Mari Chakryan, Local Correspondent from Armenia At this very moment, when Armenia is on the way to reforms in several sectors, it would be very useful to take into account the lessons learned from our neighbors who have already gone through the same path. The education system is an important part of political and
by Stas Ghiletchi, Local Correspondent from Moldova Alina Butnaru: “We invest a lot in increasing the participation of young people in the decision-making process at the community level” The European Union’s financial support towards Moldova has been shifting since 2018. More and more programs are being structured to target directly the citizens of the country, thus
