Eco-Razeni provides a fully integrated range of essential services to the population of Razeni with services ranging from inclusion, training, and support to elderly. Could you describe how the idea come to being? And why a food and catering service was the best answer? 

This month, EaP CSF talked to Sergiu Gurau, Executive Director of Eco-Razeni, a social and economic inclusion non-profit working in Razeni, Moldova. Besides his involvement with Eco-Razeni, Sergiu is a Steering Committee member of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum. 

Our journey began in 1998, initiated by a group of passionate young people here in Răzeni. Initially, the focus was primarily on environmental issues and improving information access for local youth. However, when I joined in 2005 and subsequently became director in 2008, it became increasingly apparent that while our programs benefited some, a significant portion of the community – particularly young people with disabilities, those from economically disadvantaged families, or those disconnected from the formal education system – were consistently being left behind and facing exclusion. This realisation became the driving force behind shifting our focus towards deeper social and economic inclusion. We began exploring sustainable ways to create tangible opportunities.  

Drawing inspiration from successful work integration social enterprise models we observed during study trips to Austria, we decided in 2012 to establish “Floare de Cireș” (Cherry Blossom). The name felt deeply connected to our mission: offering these young people hope and a chance for renewal, like a spring blossom, empowering them to transform their lives and feel genuinely integrated into society.  

We specifically chose food and catering services for several key reasons. First, it offered a very practical and accessible avenue for providing hands-on vocational training and creating meaningful employment, particularly for those facing the most significant barriers. Secondly, the nature of catering allows for immediate, positive reinforcement; when our trainees prepare a meal and see a customer enjoy it, they receive direct feedback which is incredibly powerful in building confidence and fostering a sense of belonging. This direct connection with the community through food is invaluable, and the catering service provided a concrete way to address a community need while simultaneously creating jobs, making it a sustainable and impactful choice.  

What results do you see in terms of inclusion (both social and economic)? How are you working to increase these results and remove some of the barriers to further employment? 

Currently, around 30% of the youth who complete our training program secure employment afterwards. Improving this outcome is a central strategic priority for Eco-Razeni through 2026. We recognise that 30% is a starting point, and we are actively implementing strategies to dismantle barriers and create stronger pathways to sustainable employment. Our approach is comprehensive, involving the development of more holistic support systems that extend beyond initial training to include ongoing monitoring and crucial integration assistance as individuals transition into the workplace.  

Strategic partnerships are vital, such as our current project with Volkshilfe Solidarität from Austria, which focuses on intensive coaching and support for youth at risk and exemplifies how we leverage collaborations to enhance our impact. We are significantly bolstering our personal development and career guidance services to better equip trainees with the soft skills, confidence, and job-seeking strategies needed in today’s market. Recognising that four months is often insufficient, we plan to extend the job-training duration to nine months by the end of 2025. Furthermore, we are expanding our vocational training beyond catering and aim to offer accredited training from the Ministry of Education, in at least three distinct trades, with plans including skills like gardening, to broaden opportunities.  

We are also actively working to navigate systemic challenges, such as concerns trainees may have about how employment could affect their disability benefits or other social assistance. To further support our mission, we are investing in our infrastructure, including plans to install solar panels on our kitchen roof to reduce operational costs, thereby freeing up vital resources to support more trainees, and we are developing a dedicated youth hub to provide a supportive community space. Through these combined efforts, we aim to build not just skills, but also the self-belief and resilience our trainees need to successfully compete in the open labour market.  

How have the projects developed by Eco-Razeni contributed to greater inclusivity within the community? 

This focus on greater inclusivity is truly at the very core of everything we do. Floare de Cireș is our most visible example of this, providing that crucial first step into the workforce through training and jobs in a safe, supportive environment for people with disabilities and others who face significant disadvantages. Right now, Floare de Cireș employs 51 people, though two are currently on parental leave. Of the 51 active staff, 29 are young people with various kinds of disabilities or from challenging social backgrounds.  

Our impact on inclusivity goes beyond just employment. Through Floare de Cireș, we connect with other vulnerable members of our community, like the elderly residents in Răzeni. We provide free hot meals daily to over 100 of our older neighbours, and that does more than just address a basic need; it helps strengthen those community bonds and combat isolation. On a broader level, Eco-Razeni continues to be active in promoting human rights and advocating for the needs of marginalized groups here in the Ialoveni district. Our ultimate aim is to help build a community where everyone feels they belong, where everyone has the chance to contribute and to thrive. 

You can find more about Eco-Razeni and their activities on their website: https://www.ecorazeni.md/en/