222 local and diaspora children and young people came together at the “United for Eco Localities” summer camps, held in seven communities across the Republic of Moldova, with the support of the Alliance of Hometown Associations of Moldova and funding provided under "Strengthening social cohesion through inclusive participation and empowered citizens“ project, financed by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by UNDP Moldova. 

“Now in their second year, these local camps bring together children and young people from local communities and the diaspora. It is a unique opportunity for participants to understand various aspects of ecology, traditions, customs, culture, while building strong bonds and lasting friendships through free communication," says Corina Sîrbu, coordinator, Alliance of Hometown Associations of Moldova. 

Camp participants combined learning with fun. They engaged in creative or cooking workshops, nature hikes, sanitation activities, picnics and personal development sessions. Day trips to local sights were also organized. 

At the camp in Corjeuți village, Briceni district, children and young people learned about recycling, participated in park sanitation activities, visited an ostrich farm, while at the camp in Răciula village, Călărași district, they planted trees, and made recyclable crafts. 

In Cobîlea, Soldănești district, they personalized eco-bags and captured ecological themes through photography, while in Sărata Veche, Fălești district, they discovered local traditions and participated in workshops on reading, painting, and handicrafts. In Sipoteni, Călărași district, participants created objects from natural materials and ecological souvenirs, planted flowers, and enjoyed horse-drawn carriage rides along the "Codrii Sipoteniului" ecotourism route. In Hîrbovăț, Anenii Noi district, they painted with leaves and flowers, decorated stones, and made toys from recyclable materials.

“The experience at this camp was absolutely incredible! I had the opportunity to discover local traditions and connect with nature in a unique way. Everyone was warm and welcoming, and engaged in a number of environmental activities. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn new things and make friends for life," said 12-year-old Valeria Vrabie, who attended the camp in Hîrbovăț. 

Of the 222 children attending the camps, 58 are from the diaspora, including Ion and Alexandra.

"This is my first time at a camp in Moldova. I felt very free here and the best thing was making new friends. I most enjoyed the swimming pool and the cooking workshop. I really want to come back to #AcasăCamp again next year," said 10-year-old Ion Chitoroagă, who came from Strasbourg, France, to spend two months with his grandparents. 

The 15-year-old Alexandra Jechiu, also living in France, noted: "I had the opportunity to make new friends, to take part in various beautiful and varied activities, which will stay in my memory for a long time. I enjoyed spending time with teachers and other children and fully immersing myself in all the activities". 

"We are proud of the success of this initiative and its positive impact on children and young people in our community. We will continue supporting such projects that contribute to the harmonious development of the young generation and encourage them to engage in volunteer work," said Zinaida Chitoroagă, President of the Junior Hometown Association of Sipoteni.

The #AcasăCamp2024 summer camps were organized from 15 July to 20 August 2024, with the aim to foster cooperation between locals and the diaspora, thereby enhancing social cohesion.