Cristina BERLINSCHII, Moldova
PROJECT: Enhancing the Capacities of Local CSOs in the Youth and Women Needs Assessment Process

Skilled in Project Management, research and engaged in community activities, Cristina is a project manager in non-governmental sector. In her capacity as a Program manager within the Association for Participatory Democracy ADEPT, Cristina is responsible for the implementation of projects related to the promotion of the development of civil society organizations at the local level, promoting the values of participatory democracy, namely by coordinating the activities of the Secretariat of the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (CALC) and monitoring projects of the activity of public institutions.

Design and development of research, comparative analyzes and consultancy in the field of youth policies, electoral issues, civic education, and reforms on the activity environment of civil society organizations are part of her activity.

She is the founder of the Center for Educational and Community Development (CDEC), a non-profit organization that focuses on the educational development and community activism of young people and inhabitants from the regions as an engine of change at the local level.

“The Fellowship program has only benefited me. It gave me the opportunity to pursue research in the process of correctly identifying the needs of young people and women and to gain a rich learning experience by exploring the varied depths of this subject. Also, to develop my professional skills and leadership ability, to learn from the experience of European organizations and to transmit/multiply the information further, to the organizations in my community – it was another benefit that I enjoy” – Cristina Berlinschii

Enhancing the Capacities of Local CSOs in the Youth and Women Needs Assessment Process

Fellowship Summary: The Fellowship project aims to increase the capacity of local CSOs to successfully identify, understand, and better tailor activities to address youth and women’s challenges, including mentoring on leadership skills.
The project was designed to empower local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in identifying and addressing the challenges faced by youth and women at the grassroots level. Implemented through a series of workshops, webinars, and mentoring sessions, the project aimed to equip CSOs with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct effective needs assessments and develop tailored interventions.

The project began with a public call inviting CSOs to participate in workshops focused on needs assessment methodologies. Three workshops were conducted, bringing together a total of 45 participants, including CSO directors, project managers, volunteers, young people, and women from rural areas. These workshops provided a platform for participants to enhance their understanding of the challenges faced by youth and women and to learn best practices for needs assessment.

Additionally, the project selected 15 local NGOs from different regions of the country to receive mentoring support. These organizations were guided in conducting their own needs assessments, with a focus on identifying the specific needs of youth and women in their communities. The project also developed and distributed a supporting toolkit to assist these NGOs in their assessment process. To further extend the project’s reach, a webinar was organized, attracting 75 participants from various CSOs, youth centers, and women’s associations.

As a result of the project, CSOs have increased their confidence in assessing community needs and have become more engaged in communication with local public administrations. The project has also contributed to a more active approach in working with young people and women beneficiaries, ultimately enhancing the impact of CSOs in addressing the needs of these vulnerable groups.

Moving forward, the project’s impact is expected to be sustained through the dissemination of knowledge and skills gained by trained CSOs to their partners, as well as the continued use of the supporting toolkit for conducting effective needs assessments. The project has laid a foundation for CSOs to play a more proactive role in addressing the needs of youth and women, contributing to the overall development and well-being of their communities.

Fellowship Programs 2021
Country Moldova
Areas of Interest Capacity development
Topics Democratic participation
Project duration May - December 2022