In partnership with Moldova Christian Aid, I will be working on a community development project in the village of Biesti. My emphasis will be on the social development side. I am so pumped about this work, it is totally community practice in a nutshell. Joy will also be doing some work to raise awareness and knowledge of and in the disabled population of Biesti. Currently, they have no idea how many persons with disabilities are living in this community. Joy wants to find out so that these people can obtain the services they need. We are not totally sure where this will take us, but trust that we will learn and grow so much. I want to share some of the facts that we DO know about Biesti:
- 25% of the children are social orphans - many parents migrate out of Moldova to find work
- 1% of the population has access to centralized water, the remaining 99% rely on 2 functioning wells
- 0% of the homes in Biesti are connected to gas
- High rates of unemployment, alcoholism, morbidity
- High dropout rates in school, especially post-9th grade
These are merely a few of the shocking issues that the people of this community face. MCA is already working to promote the economy (with special attention to the farming population) and they are working with a number of experts to secure a water supply and sanitation system for this community. There is great enthusiasm and participation from the local authorities and the 3 NGO's that are active in the community. As far as social development goes, we are full of ideas. Hopefully with the resources we have access to, a purposeful and sustainable plan will be developed in the next month.
Pictures to come...
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Hello Megan,Joy, & Leah,
ReplyDeleteI know you girls will do great work there. I know you miss home and everyone here, but your journey is taking you all to do wonderful and meaningful things. I am so proud of the three of you. How impressive the three of you are!! Keep up the good no great work!! Mom (Penny)
Joy, the Peace Corp offered Jeff the opportunity to work in the area of farming and water supply. Have you seen any evidence that the Peace Corp is involved in the area where you are? I am still praying for you all. Sounds to me like God had the plan for you all to be there. Through you, I know He will do a good work. Also, have you heard that several states in the US are without heat until mid Feb. We are more alike than we realize. Take care, Sweetie, Aunt Brenda
ReplyDeleteHey Sestra,
ReplyDeleteI love you and I grow more proud of you each day! Remember to stay focused on all the positive ways you are able to touch and change lives while you are there. The discomforts you guys are experiencing are only temporary, but the impact you are making is permanent!!!
Miss you! Devon says Hi and be safe Aunt Megan!!!