Andreia, a participant in the “EU FUNDING LAB” activity—organized by YMCA Moldova at the Ungheni District Youth Center—shares her experience from the training session and discusses the importance of opportunities for training, professional development, and skills building for young leaders and representatives of civil society organizations.
During the interview, Andreia shares the knowledge and experience she has gained throughout her work, highlighting the importance of understanding European funding mechanisms, the project development process, and how to identify financial support opportunities for community initiatives. The session offered participants the chance to explore the stages of developing a project proposal—from identifying community problems and needs to formulating objectives, planning activities, and pinpointing potential sources of funding.
The “EU FUNDING LAB” activity served as an opportunity for learning and the exchange of experience, bringing together active young people and civil society representatives interested in developing their capacity to secure financial resources and implement projects with a local impact. Through interactive discussions, practical examples, and the exchange of ideas, participants were able to strengthen their knowledge and discover new perspectives on transforming ideas into concrete initiatives that address the needs of their respective communities.
Given that civil society organizations play an important role in community development, access to information about funding opportunities and the cultivation of project management skills are essential for enhancing their capacity to implement sustainable initiatives. Such activities contribute to preparing a new generation of leaders capable of identifying local challenges, mobilizing resources, and developing innovative solutions for their communities.
Through the organization of the “EU FUNDING LAB” activity, YMCA Moldova continues to promote non-formal education, the active participation of young people, and the capacity building of civil society organizations. At the same time, the initiative encourages collaboration, the exchange of best practices, and the development of partnerships that can help increase the impact of community projects and foster greater youth involvement in local development processes.
The activity was carried out as part of the project “Stronger Ys – Strengthening YMCA/YWCA Movements in Europe, Palestine and Africa,” with financial support from YWCA-YMCA of Sweden and Sida – the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
