Models of involvement for a more inclusive society

They chose to get involved and bring change to their communities. They are six protagonists of different ages, who share their stories and life experiences in videos produced by the Independent Journalism Center (IJC) as part of the “Inclusion Starts with Me” campaign.

Ludmila Adamciuc is a civic activist and the mother of a little girl diagnosed with Down syndrome, who decided to become a voice for other such parents, too. “For six years I have been the mother of a little girl diagnosed with Down syndrome, but I have not yet been able to find an answer to the question of why it is so difficult for us to be empathetic and accept diversity. From the beginning, I set to speak publicly about my daughter, about the challenges we are going through, but also about the successes we have. Together with her, my friend, we are trying to increase the acceptance of children with disabilities. I want a more inclusive society for my little girl, for all children in our country!”

Mariana Țîbulac-Ciobanu, a journalist and scientific researcher, says inclusion for her means openness, and any open door gives her a new chance. “Inclusion for me means to be respected for my way of being, it is my right to be useful to society through the work I do. Inclusion means to have any barrier to participation in public life removed. Let us together create accessible programs, proper policies and good practices to develop a truly inclusive society!”

Victor Babcinețchi is 18 years old, and he is in his second term as president of the Șoldănești District Youth Council. He is a role model for young people in the community, whom he inspires and brings together around various activities. “It is important to raise a generation of educated and capable young people. Since I started to get involved, I said that I want to be mayor in my community, so I will do a lot more than I can now, as a simple citizen of this city that I care about and where I want to make a change.”

Another example of involvement comes from two spouses from Cazangic village of Leova district. Aged over 70, Larisa and Ion Chirilenco volunteer and help those who are lonely or immobilized. The spouses are an example both for the community and for the teachers of the school in which they have been working for over 50 years. The two sing in the folk ensemble, direct theater plays and organize social gatherings for villagers. “If you move, if you put your mind in motion and want to do something, the body renews, it does not age,” Mr. Chirilenco says. His wife urges everyone, “Do not miss the chance to live life energetically, on the move, with a lot of dedication.”

Felicia Bludoi from Comrat is a student at two faculties, and she also has two jobs. The young woman is a role model for her peers, especially for young people of Roma ethnicity, for whom she is an example of success in a society full of prejudices. “I come with encouragement for Roma women, for boys, but also for all young people: get an education and don’t be afraid to both get a job and go to college. I think you can manage everything when you want to.”

Valeriu Căldăraru, executive director of the National Association of Community Mediators, a promoter of inclusion and human rights, insists, “Change starts with us. I recommend that we treat the Roma community better. I urge the entire society to be as tolerant as possible.”

The videos were produced in the context of the “Inclusion Starts with Me” campaign, conducted as part of the “Building Cohesion in Moldova through Promoting Social Inclusion and Diminishing Discrimination„ project carried out by the Independent Journalism Center as part of the program “Joint Initiative for Equal Opportunities – Phase II” implemented with the support of the Government of Switzerland.