Moldova
Food security for Moldovan schoolchildren
Moldova is a small agricultural country where farmers often struggle with marketing challenges and a lack of investment. At the same time, schoolchildren are particularly vulnerable to poverty and the resulting poor nutrition. Our work aims to address these challenges by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and introducing healthy eating into schools.
Background
In the Republic of Moldova, smallholder farmers face significant challenges. Farms are often small and fragmented. They frequently produce low yields and generate only modest incomes. Many farmers know little about modern farming methods and markets. At the same time, agricultural infrastructure is outdated, and there is often a lack of resources to improve it and implement sustainable practices. This further limits their competitiveness.
This situation has far-reaching social consequences. Limited production capacity, along with the fact that schools often lack sufficient funds to purchase healthy and nutritious products, contribute to an unhealthy diet consisting of sugar-rich and calorie-dense foods in school cafeterias. Children and adolescents are particularly affected, as they often do not receive an adequate supply of fresh, healthy foods. The health consequences are alarming: poor nutrition increasingly leads to undernutrition and malnutrition, as well as to diet-related diseases.
Furthermore, children and adolescents lack knowledge about healthy eating, which in the long term impairs their quality of life and future prospects. Schools are key venues for imparting this knowledge. However, they are often financially constrained and mostly offer unhealthy meals or fast food.
Given the economic instability and the need for socio-ecological transformation in the country, there is an opportunity to improve food security for children and adolescents through local organic production, support schools, and thereby sustainably improve the living conditions of the population.
In the Republic of Moldova, we advocate for a balanced diet for children and young people and support local small-scale farmers.
Thanks to the training, we know how to use cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to pesticides in order to grow healthier produce.
Häufig gefragt
What does ChildFund Germany stand for, and what is the goal of its work?
Our goal is to bring about lasting improvements in the future prospects of children in need, their families, and their entire communities. Through our commitment to these children and families, we aim to make a positive difference and create lasting improvements, always guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This enables them to exercise their rights, overcome poverty and dependency, and lead independent and self-determined lives.
How can I be sure that my donation actually reaches its destination?
The efficient use of the donations entrusted to us is our top priority. To ensure that our aid is used in a highly targeted manner, we rely on close collaboration with local partner organizations in all the countries where we operate, so that our assistance meets the specific needs on the ground. Furthermore, all our support is guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This ensures that the people in our projects benefit from long-term and lasting changes and, in the long run, no longer depend on aid but can live independently and self-determinedly. Our transparent and responsible handling of donations is also confirmed by the DZI Donation Seal, which we have been awarded continuously since 1995 by the German Central Institute for Social Issues.
How does ChildFund Germany work?
Our work is made possible by three sources of funding: sponsorships, other donations, and public funds. Our projects funded by sponsorships are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.
The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.
In all projects, ChildFund plays two specific roles: First, raising funds so that the project work can be implemented at all. And second, bringing together and building bridges between those who provide money and expertise and those who lack these resources. The goal is to maximize mutual benefit from the collaboration and to advance our projects in the most effective way possible.
What kinds of projects does ChildFund Germany carry out?
Our projects, which are funded through sponsorships, are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.
The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.
What regions and issues does ChildFund Germany focus on?
We operate in various countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Our work focuses primarily on education, nutrition, livelihood support, and child protection, as well as humanitarian aid in emergency situations. Issues such as health and climate protection are also central to many of our projects.
How can I support ChildFund Germany?
There are many different ways to support our work. From a one-time donation to a regular donation as a “Future Donor” to becoming a sponsor, you are free to choose the form of support that best suits you. Long-term and particularly sustainable support can also take the form of a foundation or a bequest. We also offer a range of customized support options for businesses and schools.