Cahul Municipal Youth Center – A Space for Creativity and Engagement

The final interview within the initiative implemented by the Regional Center for Community Development brings into focus the work of the Cahul Municipal Youth Center, a relatively new public institution that has already managed to implement many meaningful and impactful activities for both Cahul municipality and district. We invite you to click the link below to find out more.

1. Tell us about the history and purpose of the Cahul Municipal Youth Center.

The Cahul Municipal Youth Center was established on July 28, 2023, by decision of the Municipal Council, based on a UNICEF-funded project. Its mission is to provide a safe and youth-friendly space where young people can grow and have their voices heard and valued.

2. What are your main areas of activity?

The center operates in four areas: volunteering, career guidance, leisure animation, and currently, we are working to support the Municipal Youth Council.

3. What major achievements have you had in recent years and how have they impacted the community?

One of our first projects was dedicated to supporting refugees, supported by UNICEF. It not only helped this vulnerable group but also enhanced our image in the community, increasing the organization's credibility.

Another project, “The Traveling Center,” helped us promote our services in 10 localities by working with libraries and schools throughout the district.

This year, we are a partner in the major initiative Youth Capital. Additionally, we organized the Volunteer Gala in collaboration with Perspectiva to encourage more young people to engage in volunteering.

4. What are the biggest challenges you face and how do you address them?

One challenge this year is the lack of budget, but we manage to fulfill our objectives through project implementation and support from the City Hall. We also face issues with NGOs that lack youth specialists and sometimes take over our activities, which affects our image. We strive for better communication and open collaboration with NGOs.

5. Who are the main beneficiaries of your activities?

The main beneficiaries are young people, but other age groups are welcome too. For example, our cinema evenings are open to all ages.

6. How many volunteers do you have and what are their responsibilities?

We currently have 25 active volunteers who attend weekly planning meetings. They are involved in our projects and also have the opportunity to initiate their own activities. Their role includes participating in meetings, planning, and project implementation.

7. How are volunteers selected and prepared for involvement?

To become a volunteer, young people need to complete a few simple steps. During recruitment, they fill out a registration form.

Then follows a one-month internship during which they attend all meetings and activities at the center. This stage helps them understand what we do and if they enjoy being part of the team.

During the internship, we expect them to bring new ideas and find ways to implement them, showing initiative and creativity. Afterward, they become permanent volunteers.

8. What benefits does volunteering bring to the youth who join your organization?

Volunteering brings many benefits. Firstly, young volunteers become role models for others by showing that active engagement is valuable and meaningful.

After the internship, volunteers receive a contract and their hours are recorded in a certificate equivalent to a volunteer logbook. This provides official recognition and strengthens their experience.

Soon, we’ll participate in an exchange in Vaslui and Timișoara, which will further develop our young people. Volunteers can attend camps, win awards like those at the Volunteer Gala, and engage in meaningful activities. They are treated equally and can freely express ideas, which motivates them and highlights the value of non-formal education.

9. What types of partnerships do you have and what collaborations would you like?

We currently collaborate with Vaslui, the National Youth Foundation in Bucharest (which gives us access to EU-funded projects), FIT Timișoara, and other partners in Moldova. We aim to expand our partnerships with national and international organizations.

10. What regular activities do you conduct in Cahul?

We regularly host Cinema Nights, leisure activities such as yoga for promoting a healthy lifestyle, and a reading club where participants can discuss books, share impressions, and learn from each other.

11. What new projects or initiatives are in progress?

We are currently working on initiatives that aim to support the Cahul Municipal Youth Council.

12. What is your center’s importance for the Cahul region?

Our center plays an important role in Cahul by offering a safe and inclusive space where youth can express themselves and get involved in meaningful activities. Our motto is “Working with youth and for youth.”

13. What is your main message to young people in Cahul?

We encourage young people to get involved in what they love and stay active. Through participation, they contribute to community change and growth. The initiative must come from them, and even if challenges arise, they should not give up but keep going.

We are located at Piața Independenței 6, Cahul City Hall building, 4th floor

Email: c.t.cahul@gmail.com

Phone: 078142251

This interview was carried out by the Regional Center for Community Development within the local initiative “Promoting Youth Services and Non-Formal Education in Cahul.” The initiative is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the regional project “Strengthening Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership countries.”

The project partner is CONTACT Center.