Nine teams of adolescents received small grants from UNICEF and ODIMM, to support the implementation of projects initiated in their communities, as part of UPSHIFT Moldova, a social innovation program for young people, that equips adolescents of Moldova with the skills and competencies to make a difference in their communities, IPN reports.
More than 120 young people from all over the country were initially selected to participate in the Digital UPSHIFT program implemented by TEKEDU. They started developing their skills and competencies that will enable them to bring a change in their communities. In the course of six weeks, a team of UPSHIFT experts carefully mentored 15 teams, teaching them how to identify the right solutions to the problems of their communities, turning them into business ideas and making a positive impact.
“COVID-19 has taught us that we need to invest substantially in remote learning, not just for future pandemics, but to connect students from otherwise isolated and marginalized communities to a wider range of educational opportunities. Globally, only 50% of students have access to distance learning. A figure that’s even lower for girls who are 33% less likely to have access. Adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic situation, UPSHIFT Moldova, which was successfully launched last year, continued its activities in digital format in 2020,” says a press release issued by UNICEF Moldova.
“It is amazing how many talented young people we have in Moldova, who care about the wellbeing of their communities and who are eager to support the development and actively participate in solving the local problems,” said Mihaela Iurascu, coordinator of UPSHIFT Moldova.
“Preparing young people for the world of work will benefit regional economies, increase security, advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve the well-being of millions of families and communities,” said Desiree Jongsma, UNICEF Moldova Country Representative. “The COVID-19 pandemic has economic and social repercussions in Moldova and worldwide, which are also impacting young people. The importance of the UPSHIFT program, providing young people with entrepreneurial and innovative skills, giving them confidence in their abilities and in their successful future cannot be underestimated.”
The kinds of skills that young people acquire are equally important. Young people need to learn both hard and soft skills, such as acquiring an entrepreneurial mindset and skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability and communication skills.
One of the winning projects is “LOFT” (Learning Opportunities for Teenagers). It is aiming to support adolescents aged 11-19 in choosing a career path.
“I liked UPSHIFT's teaching approach. It was very hands-on and had many practical activities. Even though all the training was delivered online, I felt connected in the same way as if we were in the same classroom,” said Alexandra Lupan, 16 years old, Chisinau, a member of the LOFT team.
Another winning project was developed by the 16-year-old Maria Cojocaru from Singerei. The project “Live through art” enables young people from Singerei to learn how to express themselves through painting and art. Maria and her team will conduct regular classes for adolescents from Singerei district, providing them with all the supplies for clothes painting, as well as guidance and mentorship.
UPSHIFT Moldova is a social innovation program for young people aged 15 to 24 with a specific focus on the most marginalized and vulnerable youth. Participating in this program young people develop life skills to identify and solve social problems, using both learning elements and the opportunity to work together in a supportive environment. UPSHIFT Moldova is a program implemented by TEKEDU with the support of UNICEF Moldova.
