ALDA Moldova, in collaboration with eight dynamic civil society organisations (CSOs), has officially launched the first phase of the INSPIRED Moldova project. With a strong commitment to fostering civic education and community engagement, this initiative aims to equip young people across the country with the tools to actively participate in democratic processes and counter misinformation.
Kicking off in February, the project’s first activities are designed to instil a culture of active citizenship among young people. Participants are developing critical thinking skills to identify and challenge misinformation while gaining a deeper understanding of democracy and civil rights. To ensure an effective rollout, ALDA Moldova hosted an informative meeting with partner CSOs, where discussions covered project objectives, implementation strategies, financial and narrative reporting, as well as key communication and visibility guidelines.
Under ALDA Moldova’s guidance, the participating CSOs have already launched impactful initiatives. Through civic education and community mobilisation, young people are being trained in the importance of electoral participation, fostering a new generation of engaged citizens. Meanwhile, innovative digital engagement strategies are being used to create and disseminate compelling visual content on social media, raising awareness about democratic processes in a way that resonates with young audiences. In addition, workshops and training sessions are being conducted in schools and youth centres, offering young people the opportunity to engage directly with experts in governance, policy-making, and media literacy.
By engaging and empowering young people, INSPIRED Moldova is shaping the next generation of democracy ambassadors
To combat misinformation, hackathons and storytelling sessions are equipping participants with the skills to detect political manipulation—particularly crucial in the lead-up to Moldova’s strategic parliamentary elections. These interactive sessions also encourage peer-to-peer learning, where participants share their insights and experiences, reinforcing a collaborative approach to tackling misinformation.
These efforts align with Moldova’s European integration ambitions and play a crucial role in mitigating the risks of disinformation in this pivotal election year. More than just a project, INSPIRED Moldova is a driving force in strengthening civil society’s role in shaping national policies. By actively involving CSOs in political processes at both national and local levels, including digital advocacy, the initiative fosters collaboration between civil society organisations and public authorities, ensuring that civil society remains a cornerstone of Moldova’s democratic progress.
In addition to its focus on youth empowerment, the project seeks to establish sustainable mechanisms for civic engagement, ensuring that the impact of INSPIRED Moldova extends beyond the duration of the programme. This includes building long-term partnerships between CSOs, educational institutions, and decision-makers to create a lasting framework for democratic participation.
Funded by the European Union, the INSPIRED Moldova project is implemented by a distinguished consortium, including the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), ALDA, the National Center for Assistance and Information of NGOs in Moldova CONTACT, the Center for Policy and Reform (CPR Moldova), Democracy Reporting International (DRI), and People in Need (PIN). As these activities unfold, INSPIRED Moldova continues to drive meaningful change, ensuring that young people remain at the forefront of shaping the country’s democratic future.