Thanks to the Diaspora Small Grants Mechanism ten Moldovan Diaspora Associations from all around the world managed to launch and successfully implement projects aimed at building and strengthening communication bridges between Moldova and its citizens abroad, as well as between Diaspora Associations established in different countries. The Diaspora Small Grants Mechanism is a result of successful cooperation between the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mission in Moldova and the Moldovan Government, settled down in the framework of the EU-funded project entitled “Supporting the implementation of the migration and development component of the EU-Moldova Mobility Partnership”.

Launched in October 2010 the Diaspora Small Grants Mechanism aroused interest of more than 35 Moldovan Diaspora Associations and migrant’s initiative groups from different countries, such as:  Czech Republic, Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Great Britain, Moldova, Portugal, Russia, USA, Ukraine and Sweden. read more...

Out of the total number of submitted applications, 10 best projects put forward by Diaspora Associations were selected by a joint Selection Panel comprised of Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bureau for Interethnic Relations and IOM and benefited of grants, on the basis of a fair, transparent and equitable contest: Association “Pro Diaspora” (France), Association “Vatra” (Great Britain), Association “Moldbrixia” (Italy), Association “Pro Diaspora” (Portugal), Association of Moldovans in USA “Casa Mare”, Association “Moldova open to the World” (Moldova), Association of Moldovans in Ukraine, Association “Pro Diaspora” (Moldova), Association “AssoMoldave” (Italy) and Association “Gazeta Basarabiei”(Italy).

Of a great success was the launch and organization of the TV Show “Diaspora Voice”, an interactive talk-show that brings together different actors active in the field of Diaspora issues, including Government representatives and members of Diaspora Associations. It is worth mentioning that the talk-show continues its activity even after finalizing of the mini-grant project, proving the initiative’ sustainability for the benefit of all.  

In addition, a big Festival of Moldovans in UK was organized in October 2011 by the Moldovan Diaspora Association “Vatra” in collaboration and with support of Moldovan Embassy in the United Kingdom. Gathering more than 300 Moldovans residing in UK, the Festival provided a platform to promote Moldovan culture through sharing Moldovan cuisine and music and organizing artistic activities for children. All financial means gathered from the Festival will be further allocated to help children orphans in Moldova. 

Another initiative group from USA, called “Guguta” does its best to promote historical and cultural patrimony among Moldovan children and parents originating from the Republic of Moldova through organizing different programs, including lessons of Romanian language. With support of the Diaspora Small Grant Mechanism, the “Guguta” Group from USA benefitted from a number of around 30 units of educational and didactical materials in Romanian for Moldovan children living in USA.

Among many interesting and valuable ideas on how to strengthen relations between Moldovan migrants and their homeland, as well as on how to alleviate the life of Moldovan citizens abroad, a number of interesting initiatives were presented, such as the Creation of Centre for Moldovans in Paris, opened in October 2011 and aimed at providing miscellaneous services for migrants such as information, training, consulting and culturally oriented activities.

A major part of the grants was awarded to Diaspora Associations that initiated and successfully implemented publication and communication projects. Overall, a number of around 30 types of newspapers, magazines and newsletters, amounting to a total number of approx. 50,000 copies were published and disseminated among Moldovan migrants, residing in Italy, Ukraine, Portugal, France and UK. A separate one-time publication issued by Diaspora Association from Portugal, entitled “Pro Diaspora Kids”, was exclusively dedicated to children in Portugal and was launched on June 1st 2011 to mark the celebration of the Children Day.

Soon, the Guide for Social Orientation and Integration of Moldovans in Italy will be issued by the Moldovan Diaspora Association “AssoMoldave” established in Italy. The guide includes relevant legal provisions, recommendations, sources of information, public assistance, the list of Moldovan associations in Italy, meeting places for Moldovans’ orientation and integration in the Italian society and, finally, concrete solutions for problems faced by Moldovans in Italy. The guide is expected to be published and launched by the end of the 2011 year.

The diversity of the initiatives, the joint efforts put forward by Diaspora Associations, Government and International Organization for Migration to bring together Moldovans from every corner of the world prove to be an efficient tool implemented for the benefit of all.

For more information, please contact: Oxana MACIUCA, Migration & Development Programme Assistant, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it