New Maternal Center to Open in Cahul

With assistance from the United States Government, mothers and pregnant women in southern Moldova will have a new support center to shelter them in times of crisis and need.   U.S.  Ambassador to Moldova, Michael D.  Kirby, and United Nations Development Program officials will inaugurate this new center, the “Incredere” Maternal Center, on October 18 at 11:00am.  The Maternal Center “Оncredere” is the only housing center in southern Moldova for mothers and pregnant women, accommodating 10 women at a time.  With conditions similar to a family home and caring staff, the shelter seeks to preserve and strengthen the mother and child relationship.  During their stay, beneficiaries will receive medical and counseling services, life skills and vocational training, and assistance in finding jobs.  Professional social workers will be on hand to support the women as they are reintegrated into society.  The ceremony to inaugurate the center will be open to the media.   Following the opening of the center, a forum will be held on the “Cooperation between Civil Society and the Local Public Administration in Cahul Rayon.” NGO and local government representatives will discuss increased cooperation and mutual support. The NGO “Оncredere" will manage the maternal center.  This Cahul center is a component of the "Better Opportunities for Women and Youth" project, implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and funded by the U.S.  Government through the United States Agency International for Development (USAID) under President’s Bush Anti-Trafficking Initiative.  The Cahul “Оncredere” maternal center is the seventh such center launched under the "Better Opportunities" project.  The project has also funded a Maternal Center in Drochia and Social Reintegration Centers for Youth in Ungheni, Carpineni (Hincesti), Soroca, Edinet and Calarasi.