The Ministry of Youth and Sport will soon launch a Small Grants Program designed to contribute to strengthening the youth nongovernmental sector. Those interested can apply for grants of 5,000 lei to 35,000 lei for projects that will be implemented all over Moldova, mainly outside the municipalities of Chisinau and Balti, by February 22, Info-Prim Neo reports. Priority will be given to the projects aimed at promoting equity, gender equality, solidarity and youth participation in building a democratic society and at developing local partnerships and regional cooperation, Minister of Youth and Sport Ion Cebanu said during a news conference on February 17. No grants will be provided in such areas as marketing services, commercial activities, building repair, humanitarian aid and charity, administrative costs and purchase of equipment. The minister said that the deadline for applications will be extended if need be. Ion Donea, the new head of the Ministry's Youth Programs Division, said preference will be given to rural projects designed to improve aces to information and education. “Special emphasis will be laid on the initiatives coming from rural areas, where the access to information is limited and the young people encounter difficulties in integrating with the community and in asserting themselves. I hope the young persons will present new ideas and views,” Donea said. The projects must focus on such areas as development of social services for youth by strengthening the Resources Centers for the Youth, facilitation of young people's access to the labor market, promotion of democracy, human rights, environment protection, mass media for the youth and involving the youth. The project will be implemented during April-October 2010. The competing projects will be assessed by a joint group set up by the Ministry of Youth and Sport. About 500,000 lei was earmarked for the program. This is over 25% of the Ministry's budget.