Founder of CAROMA NORD, Rodica FRECĂUȚANU, at FERM 2025: ‘We can build the future with patience, partnerships, and education for all ages’
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REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Thematic Panel:
Regional and International Cooperation – Partnerships for Development
Speaker:
Rodica Frecăuțanu – Executive Director, Caroma Nord
Topic of the Speech:
“Partnerships for Development: Establishing the Adult Learning and Education Center in Bălți Municipality – Between Social Need and a Driver of Local Development”
In a speech strongly anchored in the realities of northern Moldova and drawing on over two decades of associative experience, Rodica Frecăuțanu, Executive Director and Founder of the CAROMA NORD NGO in Bălți, highlighted the need for authentic institutional cooperation between local authorities in the Republic of Moldova and those in the Moldova Region of Romania.
A Quarter Century in the Service of the Community
Rodica Frecăuțanu is not only the leader of one of the most active non-governmental organizations in northern Moldova, but also a recognized voice in the fields of open governance and sustainable development.
A member of numerous national and regional structures – including the Coordinating Council for Open Governance at the Government of the Republic of Moldova, the GEF-CGP National Committee, the ADR Regional Committee, and thematic working groups in Brussels – Frecăuțanu has contributed to hundreds of civic, educational, and environmental initiatives.
She emotionally recalled the beginnings of CAROMA NORD, founded 23 years ago by a group of women from Pârlița village, her hometown.
“The first project was about the right to life. It was a calling, not a fundraising strategy,” she stated.
During this time, the organization has carried out activities benefiting over 18,000 young people and 6,000 women through training in advocacy, leadership, project writing, and human trafficking prevention.
Major Initiative: Adult Education Center in Bălți
With a concrete proposal addressed to FERM 2025 participants, Frecăuțanu announced the launch of an ambitious project: the creation of an Adult Education Center in Bălți Municipality. The project already enjoys municipal support and aims to rehabilitate a 350 m² building according to modern energy efficiency standards.
The future center will offer courses for young people who are no longer in the educational system, for adults wishing to reintegrate professionally, or for those aiming to develop personal skills.
“It is a dream close to my heart. Young people who drop out of school become vulnerable without alternatives. Here, we want to offer a second chance, useful, concrete, and accessible courses,” emphasized the founder of CAROMA NORD.
She called on public administrations in Romania and the Republic of Moldova to support and partner in this endeavor.
A History of Impactful Projects with Modest Resources
Despite a total budget of only €500,000 over 23 years, CAROMA NORD has successfully implemented initiatives with real impact: from civic education to ecology, from public participation to community infrastructure.
“Money was not our goal. We worked with small projects of €1,000–€1,500, yet mobilized communities and created tangible results.”
She cited examples such as the “Green School” program, active in 22 schools in Bălți and expanded to rural areas, or the “YouthBank” – Youth Fund, through which over 20 communities annually benefit from projects funded and implemented by adolescents.
“They learn to think strategically and act quickly. In three months, they write and implement projects, and in the fourth month, we celebrate the results. I invite you in September to the Youth Initiatives Gala – you will see real success stories!”
Institutional Cooperation: More than Protocols
Rodica Frecăuțanu’s intervention also highlighted the lack of pre-European cooperation funds between the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine, emphasizing that the few available instruments cannot support long-term institutional collaboration.
“The question we ask is: Do we have other funds? The answer, unfortunately, is not really. Therefore, it is important that forums like this create real bridges between authorities and NGOs.”
Conclusion: A Voice Calling for Action
Rodica Frecăuțanu did not come to FERM 2025 with just a speech, but with a commitment: to continue building a fair and educated society, where every citizen – regardless of age or social status – has a real chance to contribute and develop.
“Young people can be the driving force of change. Communities can be mobilized. Funds can be accessed. What is often missing is dialogue and the courage to start. At CAROMA NORD, we started 23 years ago – and we are not stopping.”
