Background and Program Description
Moldova is one of Europe’s poorest countries. In 2006, it had one of the highest numbers of orphanages in Europe. However, most of the children living in the orphanages were not orphans, but were separated from their parents by poverty.
Moldova has been political unstable since 2006. It was also badly affected by the global financial crisis. Despite this, the country has made major change, transforming the lives of thousands of children. Lumos was a key partner with the Moldovan government, along with other donors and other civil society organisations, in passing the Action Plan for 2016-2020 for implementing the Child Protection Strategy for 2014-2020.
Lumos’ work in Moldova created new policies, strategy, legislative change and capacity building. Lumos also led in the development of a national strategy of inclusive education. This was essential, as many disabled children were separated from their parents to live in residential homes, often far from home.
With a strong commitment from the Moldovan government, the past decade saw a decrease in the number of children living in orphanages by 86%, the number of children with disabilities living in residential schools by 76%, while the number of children in family and community-based care increased by 219%. In addition, the number of children with disabilities educated in inclusive mainstream schools increased by 729% by 2016.
Read more about the current situation in Moldova:
Care Reform in Moldova: Timeline of System Achievements
Opening Doors for Europe’s Children: Strengthening Families. Ending Institutional Care – Moldova
CCF Moldova: Hope and Homes for Children
