During the Christmas season, people think about what gift to give their loved ones, whether a new mobile phone, doll, laptop, book, and at Christmas some are so overwhelmed that they don't even know what to do with them. We have hot tea with our families, we warm up with a hot shower in the evening. We know that everywhere in the world they are not so well off, yet everyone talks about the poor children in Africa. We tend to think of Europe as developed. Do you know which European country was the least visited last year? Moldova. It is not much talked about and not many people are interested in it. The situation in the country is far from being a developed country and young people do not see a future there, so when they have the opportunity, they leave. What is the situation there? Moldova is one of the poorest countries on the European continent. Only about one-third of rural households are connected to piped water, and sewerage is almost completely absent. There is also a lack of awareness among the Moldovan population about the protection of water resources or the management of municipal waste. All these factors have an overall impact on the health of the population, resulting in frequent absenteeism from school and work, and thus in poorer education and performance at work, as well as in poorer economic development of the country.
ADRA Slovakia has been working for years with ADRA Moldova on water and sanitation projects in Moldova thanks to the financial support of SlovakAid. It focuses on helping to improve access to drinking water and sanitation for the local population. This year there are two main activities.
Since January we have been implementing a project called „Improvement of sanitation and hygiene conditions in the Hincesti region“, under which 3 domestic wastewater treatment plants are being installed in 3 nurseries with one school. It also includes awareness raising activities consisting of workshops on hygiene for children, parents and teachers to ensure that improved hygiene habits are implemented both at nursery, school and at home. An expert from Slovakia has also been training the teachers. 700 people, especially children, will have their living conditions improved. Through radio spots aimed at highlighting the importance of good habits in this area, an even wider public is reached.
In cooperation with ADRA Czech Republic we are also involved in a project called „Improving access to drinking water and sanitation conditions in schools in the Leova region“, which includes the installation of 4 water and sanitation systems and 4 domestic wastewater treatment plants in 4 school facilities. The direct beneficiaries are around 1200 people, mainly students.
In December 2016, the final work on the installations is underway. ADRA Slovakia, Czech Republic, Moldova, SlovakAid and of course you, who support our activities, together we will give the most beautiful gift to the children in Moldova - clean water and thus hope for a better future in their country.
Alena Horváthová, Project Manager ADRA Slovakia
Do you want to support people in need or make a difference in someone's life? You can do so now at: www.adra.sk/daruj. Thank you.
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