Professionals from the diaspora will support young people from the Republic of Moldova through the mentoring program “Busola Tineretului” (Youth Compass)

Young people in the Republic of Moldova will benefit from the guidance of Moldovan professionals living abroad who will help them develop the skills needed to integrate into the labor market. The mentoring program “Busola Tineretului” was launched by the civic association “Făclia,” with the support of the German Government, according to information provided by IPN.

According to the association, a significant number of young people in the Republic of Moldova are neither employed nor enrolled in studies and face economic and social isolation. The program specifically targets this group, offering them the opportunity to interact over three months — September, October, and November — with volunteer mentors from the diaspora who will share their professional and personal experiences.

The initiative has two main goals: developing young people’s skills and employability, as well as leveraging the diaspora as a strategic partner in the development of the Republic of Moldova, according to a press release. Young participants will receive support in identifying an educational and professional path suited to the current demands of the labor market.

The pilot program will include at least 50 young people from the Republic of Moldova and 20 volunteer mentors from the diaspora. These professionals work in diverse fields such as IT, entrepreneurship, education, engineering, marketing, arts, and the green economy.

Mentoring sessions will take place online through a dedicated digital platform. Each participant will work with three different mentors in individual sessions. Throughout the program, networking events will also be organized, involving mentors, young people, employers, NGOs, and public institutions.

“The Busola Tineretului program brings a new approach to the youth initiatives landscape in the Republic of Moldova by leveraging the diaspora’s potential as a strategic partner. This is not about financial support, but about people investing their time, knowledge, and energy to inspire the younger generation. Mentoring helps young people discover their talents, set realistic goals, and make informed choices for their future,” said Angela Ciocîrlan, founder of the “Făclia” association and program coordinator.

One of the volunteer mentors, Dinu Borș, said he joined the initiative because early in his career he wished he had someone to guide him. “Young people can learn from diaspora professionals how to follow their dreams, adapt their skills to market demands, and have the courage to experiment. It’s a way for those of us abroad to give back some of our experience to our home country,” the mentor noted.

The program is open to young people across the entire country, with a special focus on the districts of Soroca, Edineț, Ungheni, Orhei, Cahul, the municipality of Bălți, as well as Moldovan professionals from the diaspora. Interested individuals can apply online by filling out the forms available on the project’s website.