Minister Conor Lenihan announces €500,000 in support for Moldova

Conor Lenihan TD, Minister of State for Irish Aid, today announced further support of €500,000 to assist the Irish NGO Outreach Moldova. The announcement coincides with the first visit to Dublin of the First Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova, Mrs. Zenaidi Grecianii. The funding will support the NGO’s work with Moldovan orphanages.

“Today’s announcement is in line with Irish Aid’s strategy of the de-institutionalisation of orphanages and support for the most marginalised people in society.” Minister Lenihan continued:

 “Outreach Moldova has consciously developed strong and sustainable local links. The organisation enjoys the support of the Moldovan Ministry of Health and has adopted a model that has the potential to be piloted across the country.”

Outreach Moldova provides support for two orphanages. In the capital, Chisinau, it supports a baby orphanage (109 boys and girls from birth to four years). In Hincesti it supports an orphanage for girls with disabilities (330 girls and young women aged between four and early twenties). Many of those in the Hincesti orphanage have life-threatening illnesses or intellectual and developmental delay. It is the only institution for disabled/disadvantaged females in Moldova. 

Note to Editors:

The recent White Paper on Irish Aid called for increased activity in the area of disability and development, such as support for specific programmes to address the needs of disabled people. Outreach Moldova is an Irish-registered charity, based in Moldova. It received funding in 2002 (€100,000) to assist in building a kitchen for the orphanage at Hincesti. 

The funding announced today will assist in building a ‘Village of Hope’ in the grounds of the orphanage at Hincesti. This facility will provide semi-independent living circumstances for children who ‘graduate’ from the orphanage. They will be taught skills and develop a level of independence.

ENDS +++

4 December 2006

Press Office