The International Labor Organization helps Ungheni’s municipality to develop their children’s care services up to 3

The situation of all the pre-preschool children’s care services (0-3 years) in the municipality of Ungheni was mapped and presented to local public authorities and other key actors in the field. Based on the mapping, carried out between February and May 2025, a roadmap was developed that will allow the extension of alternative care services, according to the International Labor Organization.

According to the evaluation, in Ungheni, the coverage of care services for children under 3 years, in the 7 public and 1 private kindergartens, is about 26%. The data show that parents in Ungheni are looking for accessible, flexible and quality care services that emphasize safety, education, nutrition and proximity.
The authors of the analysis came with recommendations to expand and improve the services. The proposed solutions were discussed in working groups created by representatives of the local public authorities in Ungheni, NGOs, social partners, service providers, parents. The main recommendations refer to piloting personalized care services, near the family, community services with flexible program and services developed through partnerships with the private sector and the extension of the program.
« We know what steps we must undertake to respond to requests from citizens, especially mothers. We aim not only to offer them jobs, but also to support parents to return to the labor market earlier and thus contribute to the economic and social development of Ungheni Municipality, » said Eduard Balan.
The elaborate roadmap thus becomes an essential tool for local planning. « This document will help the authorities to develop alternative care services, to plan the budget more efficiently and to apply for financing projects. It is a real support for the local administration and for parents, » said Vasile Cușca, State Secretary within the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.

The problem is a national one, and the development of care services is essential for gender equality. « Supporting these services reduces the burden of unpaid work on women, allows them to actively participate in the labor market and contributes to reduce wage differences. The roadmap is a starting point for co-creation-a process based on local realities, priorities and needs of parents and employers, » said Maria Jose Chamorro, DWT.
International partners support this effort and directly contribute to the development of the care sector. « In Moldova, the lack of nurseries and qualified personnel limits the economic autonomy of women. This initiative is an important step, which brings benefits to the whole society. Switzerland supports by this project not only the care services, but also the creation of jobs in the sector. Deputy for cooperation, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
The event took place within the project « Consolidation of peace and prosperity through Leadership and Inclusion of Women (women for Peace and Prosperity) », implemented by the International Labor Organization (OIM), in partnership with the City Hall of Ungheni and the company CIVITTA, with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.

Similar actions will be carried out in five other localities in the country (Cahul, Comrat, Orhei, Edineț, Soroca). Ungheni is the first pilot growth pole. In the next period, OIM will support public authorities and social partners in Ungheni in the implementation and diversification of alternative care services up to 3 years old, adapted locally, thus contributing to facilitating women’s participation in the labor market and local economic development.