LILIANA ROTARU, CCF MOLDOVA: "We have continued residential

institutions reform, so that tens of children and families were

supported to stay together"
In your opinion, what was different this year at the Civic Fest, compared to the last year?
I think the difference consists in workshops variety, a new approach, by organizing an Open Space
session and the areas in which the speakers and trainers are specialists. But, of course, the main
innovation is the fact that we have incorporate an awareness and fundraising campaign to support one
of the most ambitious reforms in our country the inclusive education which means Education for All.
How do you think, why the people from Chisinau and from the country should participate at the Civic
Fest?
To get know the initiatives promoted by civil society and social entrepreneurship in our country and in
the region, to find out how we all and each of us can get involved, to understand what is the role of
every man in the country's development process. Also people will have the great occasion to socialize
and make new partnerships.
If you were to draw a common denominator specific for non-governmental organizations operating in
the Republic of Moldova, which would it be?
The desire to change for better the country and public life, the desire to involve others and take action.
What is the most important project that you conducted this year within the organization you
represent?
We continued reform of residential institutions, bringing home to families or foster families dozens of
children and dozens of other children and families were supported to stay together. The right to have a
family is one of the fundamental children rights, essential to the realization of many other rights,
protection and development, education and participation.
How open are economic agents from Moldova to support CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)
initiatives? From your point of view what would determine them to allocate substantial budgets to
the CSR field?
Many business actors understand the concept of CSR, but usually their actions in this direction are
organized on the traditional occasions such as holidays and are geared towards large groups of people
and the highly media impact deliver. Thus, many businesses are very actively looking to support children
and adults from boarding institutions, ignoring the fact that the state spends substantial budgets for
these establishments already. A CSR culture must be cultivated with patience and open communication,
and well see that in time, these efforts will achieve good results.
Can we consider mass media really open in covering social responsibility projects in Moldova?
Yes, many media outlets are open to promote and elucidate the issues of social concern, but when it
comes to CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and media coverage of businesses involvement in social
projects, here the media have commercial obstacles to promote those companies that actively engage in
solving significant social problems.
What are the most important dialog panels that were approached in the Civic Fest this year?
In my opinion, the most important panel discussion included:
Mass media - a tool for freedom of expression or manipulation?
All the roads lead to Communication
Women in Action - is Moldova a country of Women?
Yours economically. Economic transformation and NGO participation in action challenges and
opportunities.
Can the artistic works from Moldova be considered instruments of influence or awareness concerning
social problems in our country?
Undoubtedly, art is a powerful tool for influencing public consciousness. Visual arts can be particularly
useful because they arouse emotions and reactions to social issues, so that the public can enjoy a special
environment to reflect and change its behaviors or attitudes.