23 October 2025

Stories that Inspire Communities: CRDC’s Results Recognized at the First Community Journalism Gala 2025

In 2024, our organization, with the support of the East-Europe Foundation, launched its own community journalism program — a training and mentorship initiative through which we trained over 21 community reporters and guided young girls to identify local problems, document solutions, and engage in dialogue with authorities. After a year of consistent work, we are among the organizations recognized at the first Community Journalism Gala 2025, through the award granted to our colleague Adriana Munteanu.

“Our program shows that when young women’s voices are supported methodically, they can generate real change. We will continue to translate the principles of solutions journalism into measurable results for the community,” said Irina Bejan, CRDC Administrator.

From the CRDC lab to public recognition

Adriana’s case confirms the power of community journalism done with rigor and empathy. An eighth-grade student, Adriana documented the issue of a faulty school bus, formulated fact-based questions, and facilitated discussions with level I and II local public authorities, steering the dialogue toward solutions for students’ safety.

“I wanted my classmates’ voices to be heard and a problem that affected us daily to be fixed. I learned how to ask questions, verify information, and talk to authorities respectfully yet firmly,” said Adriana Munteanu.

The result of strong collaboration

CRDC was a beneficiary of the East-Europe Foundation’s project, supported by Sweden, under the “Active Citizens, Thriving Communities” Program. Thanks to this support, we were able to raise our professionalism standards in community work and in producing high-quality articles.

A decisive role was played by the mentorship provided by expert Vitalie Cazacu, who accompanied us throughout the year, helping the team and participants become stronger, better structured, and more impact-oriented. We thank him for his availability, rigor, and guidance.

The First Community Journalism Gala 2025 brought together local journalists, trainers, and development partners. The event was attended by H.E. Petra Lärke, Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Moldova; it was opened by Sorin Mereacre, President of the East-Europe Foundation, and the sessions were moderated by Petru Macovei and Igor Guzun, together with Vitalie Cazacu, underlining the role of community media in strengthening democracy and civic engagement.