The European Union supports the development of Moldovan villages. Residents of Şeptelici in Soroca District benefit from a modern social laundry
With financial support from the European Union, a modern social laundry has been established in Şeptelici, a village in Soroca district. This project aims to improve the quality of life for vulnerable community members by offering free laundry and socialisation services. Approximately 300 residents facing socio-economic challenges will benefit from this initiative.
The social laundry was developed by the Public Association Casa Speranței in partnership with Primăria of Şeptelici village. The European Union provided a grant of approximately €28,000 for the project, while the local mayor’s office contributed 62,000 lei.
The funding enabled the renovation of the premises provided by the administration of the village, including the installation of new doors and windows, and the purchase of modern equipment and furniture. Additionally, a social and recreation room was set up, featuring a mini-library with themed books and magazines, as well as interactive games. This space has been designed as a welcoming environment where vulnerable individuals can socialise and spend their free time safely.
As part of the project, a Seniors’ Club has been established to promote active ageing and encourage older residents to engage in community life. The club will organise social and cultural activities while fostering collaboration between seniors and local authorities to address community challenges.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the social welfare centre, Şeptelici’s local public administration has hired a service manager, a social worker, and a laundry operator. Staff members will receive initial training through a specialised course to maintain high service standards. Furthermore, the village hall has included funds for the centre’s operation and maintenance in its 2025 budget.
“Thanks to the generous support of the European Union, vulnerable residents of Şeptelici will have access to free, high-quality social services. This initiative not only enhances the quality of life for disadvantaged groups but also fosters sustainable community development,” said Victoria Andriuța, Mayor of Şeptelici.
“It is an honour for the European Union to support initiatives that integrate vulnerable individuals into their communities. The opening of this social laundry is a tangible example of solidarity and social responsibility, marking an important step towards helping those in need. The European Union remains committed to supporting civil society and local public authorities in developing social services that promote inclusion, dignity, and respect for all,” stated Irina Beșliu, Programme Manager within the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, during the inauguration ceremony.
The Şeptelici social laundry is part of the EU-funded project Promotion of CSOs as Partners in Developing Resilient Social Services, co-financed and implemented by Keystone Moldova, the Dorcas-Moldova Foundation, and the Association for Neohumanist Education.
Project Background
The Promotion of CSOs as Partners in Developing Resilient Social Services project is financed by the European Union and co-financed by a consortium of civil society organisations: Keystone Moldova, the Dorcas-Moldova Foundation, and the Association for Neohumanist Education. The project has a total budget of €1,126,849, including €999,797 in non-reimbursable EU funding.
Running from February 2023 to January 2026, the project supports the creation and development of at least 15 social services in partnership with local public authorities across 15 Moldovan communities. These services will benefit over 1,500 individuals facing socio-economic challenges, such as low-income households, the unemployed, pensioners, single-parent families, and homeless individuals. Beneficiaries will have free access to services, including those provided by the Şeptelici social laundry.
