Summer Leadership Camp Helps At-Risk Women Gain Independence
Sixty young women from across Moldova had the unique opportunity this year to take part in a Summer School for Leadership. Designed to prepare recent graduates for independent living, the one-week program incorporated holistic training to achieve employment, advanced education and personal development.
Organized by the USAID Anti-Trafficking Initiative and the U.S. Department of Labor Moldova Employment and Training Alliance, the camp was led by professional trainers with the assistance of Peace Corps Volunteers based in Moldova.
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| Campers received employment-related training to prepare them to find jobs
that allow will enable them to become financially independent, reducing their risk of falling victim to traffickers |
“The summer leadership camp was a cooperative effort by the U.S. Government to increase economic opportunities and reduce unemployment among vulnerable populations, particularly women at risk for trafficking,” stated Kelly Keiderling, Chargé d’Affaires, United States Embassy to Moldova.
The young women, aged 16-21, came from primarily disadvantaged backgrounds and have recently graduated from high school or vocational school and are unemployed. At camp, they participated in employment-related training including job search resources and techniques, employment rights, basic computer skills, communications, and leadership. Additionally, sessions were held on women’s health, self esteem, conflict resolution and gender equality. Individually, participants worked with staff to create a personal development plan to guide their efforts following camp graduation.
“Because these young women are often very poorly prepared to lead an independent life, this program will play an important role in helping participants to make better choices at this critical stage, and thus reduce their vulnerability to the schemes of traffickers,” stated David Blood, Chief of Party for the USAID Anti-Trafficking Initiative.
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