STORY

Creating a Clean, Safe Environment in Gradiste Village, Moldova’s Public School

August 18, 2014

The Public School in Moldova’s Gradiste Village was founded in 1972 and was one of the first educational institutions in the community. But for 42 years, the kitchen facility, water and ventilation systems in the school remained unchanged and suffered from severe deterioration.

A project to renovate the kitchen area and improve sanitation and food safety was funded by the U.S. Department of State Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia and implemented by Counterpart International.

Now, over 250 students ages 6-16 will benefit from the renovations to their school. An outdated, loud ventilation system that caused class disruptions was replaced with a quiet, efficient model and the entire electrical system in the school was overhauled. The water supply system throughout the school was updated to provide clean drinking water to the children. Moldy ceilings and walls were replaced and repainted. The kitchen was completely renovated, creating a new, hygienic place to prepare and store food. The Latter-day Saints Charities also donated an industrial size oven, fridge and freezer to complement the project. Not only will the children be able to learn in a healthier environment, but educational outcomes will improve and the staff of the school will benefit from better working conditions.

Counterpart International staff attended the opening ceremony of the school on Friday, August 8, which was also attended by the U.S. Ambassador to Moldova, William H. Moser, and the President of the Cimishlia Raion, Mr. Colta.

Counterpart’s Country Program Director for Moldova, Vladimir Cerbov, expressed the region’s excitement over the completion of the renovation project. “It was a truly a pleasure to be able to celebrate the completion of the SRP, Public School in Gradiste Village,” he said after the opening ceremony. “Our team was tremendously blessed to implement such a remarkable project. There is no doubt whatsoever that our appreciation of the completed project goes forward to the donor. We express our gratitude for the generous support and contribution!”

Rang Hee Kim, Counterpart International’s Senior Director of Humanitarian Assistance, receives a Certificate of Appreciation from the director of the Public School in Gradiste Village, Moldova.

Counterpart International’s Community Humanitarian Assistance Program has been operating in Moldova since 1995. The program has implemented 12 Small Reconstruction Projects (SRPs) and distributed humanitarian assistance across the country valued at more than $95.6 million.