Together for Active Citizenship

“Never doubt the fact that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Two trained facilitators, in partnership with Peace Corps Moldova’s Active Civic Education group, trained twelve Moldovan coaches, each partnered with a Peace Corps volunteer working in their individual villages from different regions of Moldova, in the methodology of the Public Achievement (PA) program. The training lasted for three days and was funded  by the US Department of State and coordinated with AO Keystone Human Services International Moldova.

These three days were successful. Throughout the training, the participants learned about the PA program, its mission, and its goals. PA offers teenagers in Moldova the possibility to learn both practical and theoretical  skills and abilities to create and implement their own projects in order to solve a problem the teenagers identified. In addition to their role as citizens, the teenagers accept the responsibilities and possibilities to actively contribute and develop community life.  They will become active citizens, searching for both ideas and resources to solve problems.

After finishing the training, the twelve coaches will go to their communities to form and instruct a team of teenagers to identify and resolve a problem they confront in their community.  This way they will try to change their communities and their own lives for the better.

It is said that teenagers are tomorrow’s leaders.  PA supports and affirms that teenagers play an important role today.

Here are the prevailing conclusions from the seminar’s participants:

“Throughout the seminar, I learned step-by-step how to form and direct a group involved in civic initiatives, and techniques for working with teenagers”

“We’re filled with emotions because we will detail our activities on the internet, whether they be praised or criticized by readers.  What’s more, we will have a special responsibility in the eyes of our fellow community members.”

The World Can Be Changed Through Simple Things

Guest post by Lina Malcoci, communication officer, KHSIMA

The scene is set for conflict and exclusion in a school classroom. The characters – an aggressive teacher, a student with behavioral challenges, a concerned parent, two children who use wheelchairs and a few classmates with discriminatory attitudes – take their places on the stage.

The show begins. As I watched the scene unfold, I realized that what was happening on stage has been acted out in real life many times. The teacher reminded me of my physics teacher when I was in school. The boy in the wheelchair looked like a boy I used to see in the neighboring district. And the classmates… Has anyone ever had a perfect relationship with all of their classmates?

As a spectator, it seems easier to come up with solutions to the problems being enacted on stage. In this particular drama, the spectators are encouraged to get up on stage and take part in finding solutions.

This type of play is called a Social Drama, and it is a creative way to bring social problems to the stage and invite the audience to enter the scene, find a solution, and change the course of action. The use of Social Drama can be a powerful source of learning and attitudinal change, and is being used to help communities think about how to fully welcome and include everyone, including people with disabilities, into everyday life.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a training in Social Drama with eleven other young people. Delivered by Oxana Buzovici, the training took us out of the world of rules. We entered a world of memories and dreams, sharing our feelings and experiences. It made us more flexible and more open to connections. We looked into the corners of our minds to discover the social stereotypes and beliefs that we hold that may never have been examined and challenged.

The most beautiful moment in this training was when we found a new world in others, with resources and talents they never suspected they had. The art of discovery, the return to wonder and the fact that there is always a solution are the most beautiful things I learned from this training.

One of the outcomes of our training was to develop a theater performance in Social Drama, with the intent of changing the attitude of students toward their classmates with intellectual and physical disabilities. Following their involvement with the Social Drama, it is our hope that children will recognize their own stereotypes and assumptions about what it means to have a disability, and get directly involved in finding a solution.

We will perform this play in fifteen schools in the country where school inclusion is being implemented and equal access to education is required for all children. These theatrical performances will take place specifically to support and promote the inclusion of all children in school.

In Moldova, the practice of Social Drama is being applied for the first time with the aim of improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. It is part of the Fight Against Discrimination of People with Intellectual Disabilities, with common efforts of the Joint Media Strategy Group project. The project is being implemented by Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association through the Community for All-Moldova Program, with support by the Equality and Civic Engagement Program of the Soros Foundation-Moldova and the Open Society Foundations Health Media Initiative.

Santa Claus Exists! Even you can be Santa Claus!

Holiday season represents one of the most anticipated moments of the year, being a reason for joy for all, including the beneficiaries of Center “Vis,” from Bacioi, which took part in an extraordinary celebration that included caroling, poetry, seasons greetings, and even Santa Claus.  The children’s wishes were brought to life by even more adolescents and teenagers who brought each one a star for every dream and a snowflake for every occasion of Christmas joy.

The high-schoolers from Bacioi were the first to start a food and clothing drive for a family.  The drive was called Santa Claus’ bag.

Hearing about the activities of Center “Vis,” students from the University of Medicine in Chisinau collected clothes, food, and toys for a family, who have two children with disabilities, creating a true holiday for their children.

The high-schoolers from the 11^th and 12^th forms of the high schools Nicolae Iorga and MIhai Eminescu respectively did not remain indifferent.  They also collected food, toys and clothes for other two families.

Through this, the high-schoolers demonstrated initiative by organizing a variety of pleasant surprises and donations of toys for the children.

On Christmas^, with the magic of caroling passed down through our forefathers, the children of Center “Vis” went to the mayor’s hall and social assistants of Bacioi, as well as the mayor’s office of Chisinau to give them Christmas wishes and to sing Christmas carols.  On their part, they rewarded the children with candy.  The children also had the possibility to speak with the mayor of Chisianu and wish him well!

A new collaboration agreement regarding the reform of the system of social protection of persons with disabilities has been signed in Chisinau

16.12.2011 The Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family, together with the Open Society Mental Health Initiative (OSMHI), Soros Foundation-Moldova (SFM), Keystone Human Services International USA (KHSI) and  Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association (KHSIMA) have signed a new Collaboration Agreement  in Chisinau for the period of 2012-2016.

By signing this Agreement, all partners are required to collaborate to fulfill the Action Plan, launched by the Moldovan Government, regarding the reform of the residential care system and the social protection and inclusion of persons (adults and children) with disabilities.

In this context, the MLSPF, KHSIMA, and KHSI, with the support of the OSMHI and SFM, will continue to implement the “Community for All   – Moldova” Program, which is focused on the deinstitutionalization and community integration of children and adults from the Home for children (boys) with mental disabilities in Orhei, as well as the prevention of further institutionalizations.

The collaboration agreement sets the direction of activity and obligations assumed by the signees, with regard to the reform of the residential system of care for persons with disabilities. Therefore, the MLSPF has taken it upon itself to continue promoting the politics of social inclusion and the prevention of institutionalization, as well as the deinstitutionalization of persons with disabilities, and to develop a legislative-normative framework for the regulation of the new community placement services for these persons. Additionally, the MLSPF will propose the allocation of financial resources from the state budget necessary to support the social services developed on the basis of this Agreement, as well as other necessary community-based services to support people with disabilities . This allocation of resources will be regulated at the national level through the Mid Term Budgetary Framework (MTBF) planning process.

The Program Partners have committed to support the “Community for All – Moldova” Program in the development of social services for persons with mental disabilities in the community (Supported Living, Community Home, Specialized Family Placement, Professional Parental Assistance, etc.), as well as to provide technical assistance and expertise to the MLSPF for the development of the legal legislative-normative framework for the systemic reform of social protection of persons with disabilities, including the regulation of the community based services for people with disabilities. The Partners also will contribute to strengthening the capacities of the MLSPF staff involved in the system reform of social protection of persons with disabilities.

The reform of the residential care system and social protection of persons (adults and children) with disabilities is included under the umbrella of the adaptation of the social protection domain within the EU standards and corresponds to provisions set by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In this context, it should be remembered that, on December 6th of this year, the Government of the Republic of Moldova approved the legislation regarding the social inclusion of persons with disabilities, developed by the MLSPF, with the technical support of KHSIMA, within the framework of the “Community for All – Moldova” Program. This new legislation  replaces the law regarding the social protection of people with handicaps, which no longer corresponded to current needs, and provides the necessary measures for the reform of the system of social assistance, in order to facilitate the social inclusion of persons with disabilities. The legislation is waiting for passage by Parliament, at which point it will take effect.

540 children with intellectual and physical disabilities are currently benefitting from the Communit for All-Moldova Program.

The Integration of People with Disabilities in Society is Possible!

People with intellectual disabilities in Moldova are capable of leading an independent life and enjoying the same opportunities as their fellow citizens. In order to achieve that goal, however, they may require developmental support, as well as appreciation and respect from others.

With the support  of Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association (KHSIMA),  many  people now have the opportunity to live within  their communities, and benefit from access to a number of specialized support and placement services. Last week, in the framework of the Community for All – Moldova Program, five types of services that support social inclusion of people with disabilities were launched: Supported Living, Community Home, Resource Center for Inclusive Education, Mobile Team and Specialized Family Placement.

The services were developed in eight counties, in partnership with local public authorities. They are designed to meet the needs of people with a wide range of intellectual disabilities, depending on their age, abilities and level of personal autonomy.

The individuals who use  the Supported Living, Community Home and Specialized Family Placement services have been deinstitutionalized from the Home for Children (boys) with Mental Disabilities in Orhei. They now live in  comfortable and accessible homes, similar to a family one.

The Community Homes, created in the Mitoc village, Orhei county and Voloave village, Soroca county, are meant for children with mental  disabilities who require protection, care and continuous specialized care. Four boys have been placed in each home and, with the support of the specialists, are already making progress in  communication, as well as increasing their abilities and self-respect .

The Supported Living service, located  in Orhei, is  designed for adults who have a high level of independence and can be easily integrated into society. It is home to four young men, who have learned to take care of the house , prepare food and look after animals. Two of them are  employed in the work force.

Another service that is aimed at helping adults is the Specialized Family Placement, in which  an adult  with mental disabilities who cannot live independently joins a  family in the community.  Right now, one  adult has   joined a family in Telenesti, where he benefits from care, support, good living conditions and a good  education.

A lot of the people with disabilities and their families require assistance at home because they have no means of transportation or they live in isolated communities. The Mobile Team, which was launched in the city of Chisinau and five counties – Telenesti, Edinet, Leova, Orhei, and Soroca – was created to support  people in their own homes. These teams are made up of a number of specialists, who offer medical, social, psychological, rehab and recuperative assistance. Up to the present time, the teams have carried out over 4,000 specialized interventions,  ensuring that individuals have access to community services.

In total, nine Mobile Teams have been created with the support of the Community for All – Moldova Program.

The Community Home, Supported Living, and Mobile Team services operate  based on  the framework Regulation and Quality Standards developed by the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family with the support of KHSIMA and approved by the Government last year.

In Anenii Noi, in partnership with the local public authorities, the Resource Center for Inclusive Education was created. This service is designed for school inclusion and facilitating  access to education for children with special educational needs  from the nearby region. A multidisciplinary team works within the framework of the Center: a psychologist, speech therapist, and a medical assistant who develop individualized educational plans for every child. Thanks to the support offered by the specialists, the children can better master the material and can be better integrated into the school and into the community.

The Community for All – Moldova Program is implemented by Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association in partnership with the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family, with the financial support of the Open Society Foundation/Mental Health Initiative and Soros Foundation – Moldova and aims to contribute to the reform of the system of social care and protection of people with disabilities in terms of their social inclusion.

Throughout 2012, the Program plans to open four  more Community Homes, one more Supported Living and two  more  Respite services. Also, Professional Parenting Assistance and Specialized Family Assistance services will be launched in 10 counties.

Mobile Team and Specialized Family Placement for Adults services launched

The launch of three new assistance services for people with disabilities – Mobile Team from Chisinau and the Mobile Team and Specialized Family Placement for Adults from Telenesti rayon, took place this week. These services have been developed within the framework of the regional Department of Social Assistance and Family Protection, with the support of the Community for All – Moldova Program.

These services aim for the deinstitutionalization and the prevention of institutionalization of people with disabilities, as well as their integration into their respective families and communities, ensuring access to community services, social inclusion and preparing them for an independent lifestyle.

The Mobile Teams have been active in Chisinau and Telenesti region for 4 months and is working with 15 (Chisinau) and  12 (Telenesti) children . These children live in isolated communities, and until the creation of the Mobile Teams, they  had limited access to specialized social assistance. The Mobile Team services offered to these children are personalized and vary from  person to  person. Thus, they can benefit from social assistance, medical and psychological assistance, rehabilitation and recuperation services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy), special instruction in order to stimulate personal development, development of independent communication skills, etc.

The social service, Mobile Team,  operates on the basis of the Regulations and Quality Standards created  by the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family with the support of Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association (Keystone Moldova) and approved by the Government this year.

The Specialized Family Placement Service is a pilot program, implemented for the first time in the Republic of Moldova. In this program, an adult who has a sensory, intellectual or physical disability and cannot live independently or with his biological family joins another family within the community.  The first  adult to use this service  left the  Home for Children (boys) with Mental Disabilities in Orhei and was placed in a family in Telenesti. This person had  spent 24 years in various institutions. Currently, he is benefitting from care and support with a host   family , with good living conditions and an adequate education, in terms of independent living skills and his integration into the community. The gentleman  has lived with this family for two months, and he has  become an active member of the family, joining in with the day to day chores.

The Community For All – Moldova Program is implemented by Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association in partnership with the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family, with the financial support of the Open Society Mental Health Initiative and the Soros Foundation – Moldova, with the scope of contributing to the reform of the system of care and social protection of people with disabilities in terms of their social inclusion. Five hundred and forty children and young people with intellectual and physical disabilities are currently benefitting from the program.

Supported Living – A New Home for Four Young Men

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“Goodbye, bed! Goodbye, cupboard! Goodbye, bathroom! Goodbye, guys!” This was Constantin’s way of saying goodbye, as eager as he was to finally go home. For him and three other young men from the Home for Children (boys) with Mental Disabilities in Orhei, “home” means living in their own home in the community rather than an institution. These young men moved into a home that is part of the Supported Living residential service.

Supported Living in Orhei is the first service of this type in the Republic of Moldova. It was created by the Orhei Regional Council and the Department of Social Assistance and Family Protection, in partnership with Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association (Keystone Moldova), under the umbrella of the Community for All-Moldova Program. This social service is designed for adults with mild mental disabilities, who wish to increase their independence and join the community. The young men will focus on developing their independent living skills while receiving some support.

The home is furnished like a typical home in Moldova and offers the young men a safe, accessible, comfortable, family-like environment. Each young man chose whom they wanted to share their room with. The young men helped to select the furniture for their new home and also chose their clothing, shoes and other items for personal use. 

For Ion, whose personal possession can be counted on two hands – two magazines, five pencils and a bag of walnuts – even being able to arrange his clothes in his own closet is exciting. “Here, in the closet, I have enough space for everything,” says Ion, pointing at the shelves and clothes hangers. “I went shopping and I chose the ones I liked myself.” 

In the beginning, four support specialists will assist the young men in their daily activities. Now that they’re in their new home, the young men will be able to lead a more active lifestyle and will also enjoy living conditions equal to others in the community. As their independent living skills improve and grow, they’ll have the opportunity to seek employment.

Supported Living service operates on the basis of the Framework Regulation and Quality Standards developed by the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family (MLSPF), with the support of Keystone Moldova, which was approved by the Government last year. The services provided in each home are based on the needs of the individuals living there. To move into one of these homes, individuals must receive approval from the Multidisciplinary Commission for the protection of adults in need, including those with disabilities, and the regional Social Assistance and Family Protection Department.

The Community for All-Moldova Program is implemented by Keystone Moldova in partnership with MLSPF, with the financial support of the Open Society Mental Health Initiative (OSMHI) and the Soros Foundation-Moldova. The program aims to contribute to the social inclusion of people with disabilities by ensuring their full access to social services within their respective communities and by providing qualitative technical assistance to MLSPF in developing the legal normative framework to regulate these services. To date, the program has benefited 291 people with mental disabilities, including 52 children and young people who left the institution in Orhei. The program provides several types of support, including social, educational and psychological support, counseling, medical assistance, support in maintaining positive behaviors, independent living skills, educational support in school inclusion and assistance in accessing other community services.