Mayors learn to involve migrants in the development of their localities

The mayors of 25 localities from the Republic of Moldova have learned from fellow colleagues how to involve migrants in the development of their native localities. A study visit of this kind was held on 25-26 February by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Moldova within the "Migration and Local Development" project.

Local officials visited the villages Avdarma (ATU Gagauzia) and Selemet (Cimişlia) - localities, where infrastructure and the range of public services was developed, thanks to the involvement of migrants.

"Migration is perceived as a negative phenomenon for the Republic of Moldova because, until now, it has not been used as an effective element of the country's development, in general and of the localities, in particular. All these, due to the lack of institutional capacities, knowledge and viable  models, enabling efficient implementation of the migration policy and the local development through an effective program of involvement and community mobilization. By the mean of these visits, we aim to inspire beneficiaries mayors, by the example of some localities achievement that  involved in the  local development, natives who left", said Olesea Cazacu, project manager.

"So far, I did not even think how important can be to establish relations with the natives who left the village. The example of these two villages made me understand how these links may be useful for the village welfare, but also for those who miss home and wish to develop the place they left.  I am convinced that an important issue to be addressed are the conditions and activities for children. However, most migrants left their children at home. Thus, by creating better conditions for them, such as: sports sections, playgrounds, football fields, various workshops, we have the possibility to build a lasting relationship with migrants ," said the mayor of  Ruseştii Noi (Ialoveni), Pavel Codreanu.

According to recent studies, about 479 000 Moldovans are migrants, 370000 are in long-term migration, and 109000 being circular migrants. Since 2010, migration and development were recognized both by national authorities and the international community as an important development topic on the agenda of the country.

The "Migration and Local Development" project is implemented during 2015-2017 by the Government of the Republic of Moldova, with the  support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Moldova and the financial support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.