YMCA Moldova – Identity, Mission and Strategic Directions (Adapted Version)
YMCA Moldova is a unique national youth organization, founded in 1996 and re-registered in 2010, dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening communities across the country. It does not function as a federation and has no branches; instead, it operates as a single national hub for youth development, coordination, and program implementation. YMCA Moldova not only represents the YMCA movement in the country but actively promotes its values, protects the interests of young people, and drives innovation within the Moldovan youth sector.
Our Vision
The vision of YMCA Moldova is a Moldova where every young person lives in harmony with themselves, with society, and with the environment—where all youth have access to equal opportunities, quality education, digital resources, and safe spaces for growth and development.
As part of the global YMCA family, inspired by its Christian identity expressed in the Paris Basis, YMCA Moldova works to strengthen young people and communities through:
Relevance
Being a modern, agile, and solutions-oriented organization capable of addressing the most pressing challenges facing young people in Moldova—digitalization, social inclusion, employment, mental health, and civic participation.
Representation
Amplifying the voice of young people nationwide, advocating for their rights, participation, and essential role in shaping Moldova’s future.
Relationship-building
Creating strong national and international partnerships, maintaining transparent communication, and promoting collaboration with public institutions, civil society organizations, schools, youth centers, and global YMCA partners.
Resilience
Building a sustainable, financially stable, well-structured organization capable of responding to social, economic, and technological changes.
Response
Acting promptly and effectively during humanitarian or social crises, in cooperation with national and international partners, and providing support to vulnerable communities, refugees, and displaced persons.
Our Mission
To empower young people and communities to build a just, inclusive, and sustainable Moldova, where every individual can thrive physically, intellectually, and spiritually.
YMCA Moldova promotes non-formal education, digital skills, social inclusion, youth leadership, civic engagement, volunteerism, mental health support, and peacebuilding.
Guiding Principles of YMCA Moldova
In fulfilling its mission, YMCA Moldova:
- reaffirms the Paris Basis, the Kampala Principles, and Challenge 21 as the foundational expressions of YMCA identity;
- promotes the Christian identity of the movement in an open, ecumenical, and inclusive manner, working independently of—but in cooperation with—churches;
- ensures active youth participation at all levels of decision-making;
- supports the central role of volunteers in the life of the organization;
- promotes gender equality, respect for diversity, and non-discrimination;
- upholds the YMCA concept of holistic development: body, mind, and spirit;
- advances sustainable development, peace, and social justice;
- values international solidarity and global collaboration;
- respects the independence and cultural context of each local partner and community;
- fosters a culture of learning, exchange, and continuous cooperation;
- applies innovative, participatory, and process-oriented methods in all programs;
- remains a needs-driven, inspiring, and effective organization guided by the principles of subsidiarity and support (“Begleitung”).
YMCA Moldova – A Unique Organization for a New Generation
As an independent national organization, YMCA Moldova brings together young people, professionals, volunteers, and partners under a shared mission: to build an inclusive, digital, and future-oriented society in which every young person has the resources needed to transform their life and contribute to the wellbeing of their community.