ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Amid Moldova's urban challenges, like resource constraints and social disparities, the DVOR project is vital. Urbanization strains infrastructure and neglects communal spaces, especially affecting marginalized groups. Transitioning to a market economy widens socio-economic gaps, hindering community development. DVOR engages citizens in decision-making, fosters collaboration, and promotes social cohesion. Prioritizing inclusive planning and sustainability, it empowers residents for long-term resilience, contributing to Moldova's sustainable development goals. DVOR aims to empower communities and ensure inclusive, sustainable urban growth amidst rapid change.
Our main goals are:
➜ Engage citizens in local decision-making and empower community leaders.
➜ Cultivate accountability between citizens and authorities.
➜ Foster inclusive planning and participation.
➜ Improve urban life quality through collaboration.
THIS IS HOW WE DO IT
➜ WE OFFER GUIDANCE FOR THE RESEARCH WITH THE NEIGHBOURS
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➜ TRAININGS AND MENTORING FROM DVOR ALUMNAE
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➜ STUDY VISIT ABROAD FOR BEST PRACTECES
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➜ SUPPORT IN APPLYING TO CHIȘINĂU CIVIL BUDGET
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➜ SUPPORT IN ORGANISING COMMUNITY EVENTS
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➜ OFFERING A MINIGRANT OR MASTERPLAN BASED ON THE RESEARCHED NEEDS
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COMMUNITY EVENTS IN CHIȘINĂU DVORS
TRAVELING COMMUNITY EXHIBITION "DIN DVOR ÎN DVOR", 2nd EDITION
The second "DIN DVOR ÎN DVOR" exhibition united residents, potholes, playgrounds, pets, and parking woes, reflecting the essence of Chișinău's courtyards. We delved into their authenticity, beauty, and challenges together.
✱ "Courtyard in Focus" - Share what you'd like to see and be part of the change!
✱ Postcard Exhibition - People could send messages neighbors or authorities.
✱ Drawing Hour for Kids - Children could unleash their creativity and have fun.
✱ Collective Drawing Exhibition - How the children envision the perfect courtyard!
The exhibition traveled: ➜ March 16: Alba - Iulia Street 202 ➜ March 23: Burebista Street 40/2 ➜ March 30: Calea Ieșilor Street 13
PANEL DISCUTIONS IN THE DVOR 3.0 FINAL EVENT
At the exhibition's final stop, March 30 at Calea Ieșilor Street 13, we held two panel discussions with experts on the future of courtyards in Chișinău. We gathered suggestions to make our courtyards inclusive community spaces.
The first panel focused on Homeowners Associations and Civic Engagement, featuring Nataliia Oleatovschi, Rodion Gavriloi, Serghei Oprea, and Anatolie Albin. They discussed how the DVOR program facilitated community mobilization and access to opportunities like the Civil Budget.
The second panel, on Sustainable Urbanism, featured Vitalie Sprânceană, Rolan Rotari, and Vasile Fotescu. They stressed the importance of adhering to urbanism principles and researching community needs for effective resolution.
DVOR RESEARCH AND THE REAL NEEDS
During the period spanning from December 4, 2023, to January 11, 2024, a comprehensive evaluation of the requirements and aspirations of residents was conducted across 21 distinct communities actively engaged in the DVOR 3.0 initiative. This extensive endeavor was spearheaded by the dedicated participants of DVOR 3.0, who diligently sought insights from their neighbors. The outcome was a wealth of invaluable feedback, with a remarkable tally of 348 responses received in total.
Positive changes suggested: | Negative changes observed: |
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➜ Recycling bins | ➜ Malfunctioning cameras |
COMMUNITIES WE WORKED WITH IN CHIȘINĂU
These community-driven projects play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering a stronger sense of community. With generous funding and support from organizations such as Laolalta NGO and the DVOR program, residents come together to identify and address local needs, making their shared spaces more vibrant and enjoyable for all. As we look ahead, we are committed to sustaining these efforts and exploring opportunities to embark on larger-scale projects that will have an even greater impact on our community. By working collaboratively and seeking additional funding sources, we can continue to create positive changes and build a better environment for everyone to thrive in.
COMMUNITIES WE OFFERED A MINIGRANT IN DVOR 3.0
Ciocana, Igor Vieru 3/1
The entrance at 3/1 I. Vieru St., building entrance nr.4, has long needed repairs. Thanks to funding from the DVOR program, residents teamed up to make much-needed improvements. With input from all, we spruced it up with repairs and fresh paint, bringing pride and unity to all 39 apartments. Next, we plan to tackle individual floor repairs and establish a homeowners association for ongoing upkeep.
Botanica, Salcamilor 22/9
One issue addressed in DVOR 3.0 was the underused space residents hoped to transform into a small square. Moms, children, and the elderly desired quality benches and ample trash bins. After inspecting the area, the DVOR team planned it as a future project, with Irena applying for funding from Chisinau Civil Budget 2025. Meanwhile, to improve the entrance, two benches and four trash bins were installed, with neighbors creatively turning the bins into flower pots for a decorative touch.
Buiucani, Calea Ieșilor 13
The project focused on enhancing the pathway from APC A0120-0052 at Calea Iesilor 13 to the Milano Street bus stop. This involved replacing old concrete slabs with a polished concrete surface and installing lighting fixtures and pillars to define the area. Future plans include developing adjacent spaces to create a more inviting and functional environment for the entire community.
Telecentru, Ialoveni 100/1
A group of 7 counselors from the homeowners association led a project to renovate entrance nr. 2 at 100/1 Ialoveni St. Funding, including a 6000 MDL contribution from Laolalta NGO, enhanced the platform formerly used for garbage collection. Residents also contributed. The project aimed to foster collaboration, benefiting 71 families and approximately 200 individuals. Future plans include staircase renovation and landscaping, with hopes to apply for Chisinau Civil Budget 2025 funding. Residents are eager to support larger-scale projects ahead.
COMMUNITIES WE HELPED DEVELOPE A YARD MASTERPLAN IN DVOR 3.0
Ciocana, bd. Mircea cel Bătrîn 10
In Liliei Cerveni's DVOR, the community is determined to transform the unused space into a vibrant hub for everyone. Already, there's a playground for kids and a fitness area. The courtyard is safe and spacious. However, there's a need for a space designed for multiple sports activities like soccer and basketball, ensuring safe sports practice. Also, there's a lack of a modern playground with varied elements like slides and climbing areas.
Lilia applied to the Chisinau Civil Budget for funding based on the project sketch. We're excited to see Liliei's DVOR transform and improve, and we're committed to working #together for stronger communities!
Râșcani, Albisoara 80/7
In Victor Lucinschi's DVOR, significant changes are underway. The playground is being moved away from the parking area. Pedestrian zones are being delineated with yellow paint. A recreation area surrounded by shrubs is being created.
These improvements will enhance residents' quality of life, making the communal space more vibrant and friendly.
All concepts were developed with collaboration from architecture firm RO2R and Urban Platform NGO.
Botanica, str. Burebista 40/2
Andrian Lupan and his community are creating the Common Octagon to provide a versatile space for various activities, from morning meditation to evening community dinners. This space aims to bring neighbors together in a new way.
The courtyard is clean and safe, with a playground, but lacks functional diversity and green spaces. Residents will participate in decorating the octagon, fostering a strong sense of belonging and responsibility to reduce the risk of vandalism. Implementing this project will fuel interest in courtyard infrastructure development, motivating us to continue improving the built environment.
DVOR ALUMNAE WE ARE HAPPY TO COOPERATE WITH
MARGARETA BRADU
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IULIA TVIGUN
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NATALIA OLEATOVSKII
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RADION GAVRILOI
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ABOUT DVOR PROGRAM
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Laolaltă, meaning "Together" in Romanian, is a women-led NGO based in Moldova established in 2020, c.f. 1020620008418, that is committed to fostering collaboration and community-driven initiatives for positive social change. With a focus on participatory urban development and community building, Laolaltă works tirelessly to empower citizens to become active participants in shaping the future of their neighborhoods. Through a range of projects and programs, Laolaltă promotes inclusive and sustainable urban development practices, with an emphasis on gender equality and social justice. From organizing community events to advocating for policy change, Laolaltă strives to create vibrant, resilient, and inclusive communities where everyone has a voice and can contribute to the collective well-being.
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The DVOR program has seen several successful editions, each contributing to community development in urban Moldova. Through a combination of needs assessments, trainings, and community events, each edition of DVOR has made significant strides in fostering civic engagement and improving quality of life in urban communities across Moldova.
DVOR 1.0, supported by PIN - People in Need, initiated the journey with a grant of 10,000 Euro for 12 months.
Building on this foundation, DVOR 2.0, backed by PW - Peace Winds, with a grant of 10,000 Euro for 3 months.
The latest, DVOR 3.0, funded by USAID, with a grant of 50,000 Euro for 6 months.
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We are in no way connected to any political parties and will never be. Yet, we colaborate with public institutions on all levels.
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Laolaltă started with the "Initiative that was not supposed to exist," known as the “Together Against Covid-19” civic initiative. In fact, Laolaltă wouldn't have existed if the pandemic hadn't catastrophically affected vulnerable individuals and communities in Moldova. Like a litmus test, it revealed the dysfunctions of the social system, poverty, social isolation, but it was also an impetus for voluntary mobilization that we undertook to coordinate.
In one year - we managed to breathe, build the organization, find a small office at the Press House, start the DVOR program - community organizing and support for informal/local leaders for better quality of life and participation in decision-making, holding authorities accountable.
Our team has grown; now we are 35, before the war, we were 3 people part-time. We have gathered people of all ages and specialties #together. Some of our new colleagues are refugees; together, we work to help others and bring change to the community.
Of course, all our efforts would not have been possible without the experience, expertise, and financial support of foreign and local partners, for which we are deeply grateful.
DVOR PROGRAMS BY EDITION
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Number of applications: 12
Number of participants: 10
Regions covered: 8 Chișinău, 1 Sângereni, 1 Străseni, s. Păhuceni
Mini grants implemented: 5 projects
Number of respondents for the needs assessment: 235
Trainings: 5
Community events: 3 -
Number of applications: 60
Number of participants: 16
Region covered: Chișinău
Mini grants implemented: 4 projects
Number of respondents for the needs assessment: 159
Trainings: 3
Community events: 7 (community dinner, 2 community meetings, 4 photo exhibitions) -
Number of applications: 93
Number of participants: 21
Regions covered: Chișinău
Mini grants and masterplans implemented: 8 projects
Number of respondents for the needs assessment: 363
Applications for Chisinau Civil Budget: 4
Study Tour: 1
Trainings: 7
Community events: 3 (2 photo exhibitions, 1 photo exhibition + discussion panel) -
Coming soon.
LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH
LAOLALTĂ NGO
Community Center 151
31 August 1989 Street #151
Chișinău, Moldova
+373 68 373 874
contact@laolalta.md