A Driving Force for Social Inclusion and Sustainable Development in Moldova

Many people with disabilities in Moldova live under difficult conditions. Despite progress in certain areas, the country still suffers from a lack of resources and support for its most vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities. According to the World Report on Disability by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 15% of Moldova’s population lives with some form of disability. However, many of these individuals face significant barriers when it comes to accessing education, healthcare, and employment. This is partly due to cultural norms that marginalize people with disabilities, as well as inadequate infrastructure and a lack of employment opportunities.

For people with disabilities in Moldova, this often results in a double challenge—not only coping with the physical and mental strain of a disability but also facing societal prejudices and economic obstacles that further complicate their lives. Unemployment rates are high, and many who struggle to find work end up in an isolated situation without access to social support or economic independence. As a result, organizations like Eco-Razeni and their social enterprise, Floare de Cires, play a vital role in addressing these issues.

Combining Social Entrepreneurship and Environmental Education

Eco-Razeni has been working to improve the living conditions of Moldova’s most vulnerable populations since 1998, creating sustainable solutions for both people and nature. In the Ialoveni district, where Eco-Razeni operates, the organization has become a key actor in fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future.

One of Eco-Razeni’s most groundbreaking initiatives is Floare de Cires, Moldova’s first catering social enterprise. The project provides job opportunities and training for people with disabilities, particularly those living in rural areas. By offering these individuals a chance to work and receive training, doors are opened to social and economic inclusion—an area where Moldova lags behind other European countries. Additionally, Floare de Cires contributes to the local community by providing free lunches to elderly people living alone in the village of Razeni. This initiative strengthens community bonds and creates a supportive network for the most vulnerable members of society.

Eco-Razeni’s commitment to social inclusion is also deeply tied to environmental issues. In collaboration with local and national authorities, the organization works to raise awareness about environmental challenges, such as waste management and pollution. They also lead projects aimed at promoting green energy and sustainable agricultural practices. By combining social entrepreneurship with environmental education, Eco-Razeni strives to create a society where both people and nature can thrive in harmony. Environmental stewardship and sustainable solutions are, therefore, a core element of the organization’s vocational training programs and Floare de Cires operations.

Long-term Collaboration for Social Inclusion and Sustainable Development

For several years, IM has partnered with Eco-Razeni in efforts to promote social inclusion and create job opportunities for young people with disabilities. Through our collaboration, we are contributing to the development of a national platform for entrepreneurship and the implementation of a vocational training module based on Floare de Cires. This initiative gives young people with disabilities valuable work experience and training, improving their chances of building an independent and fulfilling life.

For IM, the partnership with Eco-Razeni is an important step in our work to promote social justice and inclusion globally. By supporting their efforts, we are not only helping to create a more inclusive Moldova—where people with disabilities have access to education and employment—but also contributing to a sustainable future. Eco-Razeni blends social entrepreneurship with environmental care, and through our collaboration, we are helping to build a society where both people and nature can coexist sustainably. This holistic approach to social and environmental development strengthens not only the most vulnerable but also creates a model for sustainable community development that can inspire others far beyond Moldova’s borders.
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The image above shows young people employed by Floare de Cires. Here, they receive both training and job opportunities in cooking and catering.

Photo: Erik Törner