The project “Creating Value for Others: VET Institutions Provide Relevant Vocational Skills (CREATIVO)” was carried out by the Center for Entrepreneurial Education and Business Assistance (CEDA) during the period 2021-2024, with funding from the Liechtenstein Development Services Foundation (LED) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
A total of 11 technical vocational education and training (TVET) institutions (including 4 centers of excellence, 4 colleges, and 3 technical vocational schools) in the country benefited from project assistance in promoting continuous professional development and launching entrepreneurial activities.
Within the framework of the project, 1,351 students participated in entrepreneurial activities. Among them, 475 students managed to be employed. Approximately 72 teachers and managerial staff were trained on how to develop and sustain their institutional development ideas. Student councils from 10 institutions were capacitated and actively involved in decision-making.
Over the four years of implementation, CREATIVO developed various entrepreneurial activity models that generated revenues of nearly two million Moldovan lei. These funds were invested in the development of relevant educational programs for the labor market. Some of the initiated projects included furniture manufacturing businesses, agricultural production, provision of electrician, veterinary, or accounting services. Additionally, accounting courses were designed for rural and individual households, covering topics such as vegetable cultivation in protected areas or hydroponic systems.
In addition to achieving the two main objectives, CREATIVO supported other cross-cutting activities, such as enhancing institutional strategic development plans, creating methodologies for revenue management, and developing policy documents to prevent discrimination of any kind and promote equal opportunities. Beneficiaries also collaborated with communication experts to create visual identities for better promotion of their services.
On July 31, the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, the Liechtenstein Development Services Foundation, and CEDA signed a cooperation agreement for the implementation of CREATIVO Phase II, which will be implemented during 2024-2028.
CREATIVO Phase II aims to proactively align training programs with labor market requirements and support entrepreneurial initiatives among students. This strategy focuses on enhancing employability and equipping students with relevant professional competencies for the job market. By promoting an environment that encourages practical learning and entrepreneurial thinking, the project seeks to transform TVET institutions, not only meeting immediate employer needs but also inspiring innovation and self-employment among graduates.
At the national level, the employment rate for young people aged 15-24 increased from 37% in 2019 to 43% in 2023. It can be argued that LED-funded projects, including CREATIVO, contributed to this growth in employment.
For more information about CREATIVO, visit the following page: www.ceda.md/creativo/