‘I am no longer dependent on anyone’ – how Virginia Duminica, a young mother, found her path to a profession through the NEA and EU4Youth

At 31, Virginia Duminică is a mother of three and a woman who has learned to start over. After a difficult divorce and years of living solely on social assistance, she is now building her own career in the beauty industry. Her dream is to one day open her own salon where Roma women can access services, learn a trade, and gain the confidence to become independent.

Her journey toward this change began with a simple announcement from a local association, seen on social media.

“Thanks to the EU4Youth programme, our organization ‘Zdorovîi Gorod’, together with the National Employment Agency (NEA), organised information sessions for members of the Roma community. During these sessions, Virginia learned that NEA could support her in obtaining a new profession in cosmetology, as well as through professional internships. The institution identifies internship placements and provides a monthly stipend, so participants can gain practical experience and later become employed. This support is very important for her, as the internship gives her more confidence and increases her chances of successfully integrating into the labour market,” says Valentina Teslaru, project coordinator at ‘Zdorovîi Gorod’ and community mediator.

“You cannot live your whole life on benefits”

Virginia says the separation from her husband was also the moment she began to seriously think about her future. She decided to learn a profession and build her financial independence.

“Until I was 30, I had never worked. I was married and mostly lived on social assistance. But I realised you cannot live your whole life on social assistance. Today it’s here, tomorrow you might not have it, and you need to manage somehow”, she says.

She attended manicure courses organised by the “Zdorovîi Gorod” association. Her passion for the beauty industry pushed her further, so she also enrolled in cosmetology training. For four months, Virginia studied facial procedures, skincare, and modern beauty techniques.

“I really like cosmetology. I had skin problems myself and didn’t know how to get rid of the spots on my face. Now I know there are solutions, and I like the idea that I can help other women become more confident”, says Virginia.

Support from NEA and the internship that changed her life

For young people who do not yet have a profession or work experience, the NEA offers concrete opportunities for training and labour market integration, financially supported through special employment programmes.

“We offer vocational training courses through a voucher system. Young people who do not yet have a profession benefit from career guidance services. They can choose a course and an educational institution, and we cover the training costs and provide a monthly stipend, which currently exceeds 5,000 lei. The courses can last up to six months, and after completion we continue to support them in the process of labour market integration and employment. For young people who already have a profession but lack practical experience or have been less active in their field, we also offer professional internships”, explains Raisa Dogaru, Director of the National Employment Agency.

Today, thanks to NEA support, Virginia is completing her internship in a beauty salon in Bălți. The salon was opened by Maria Cerempei, a refugee entrepreneur from Ukraine, who built her own business in the Republic of Moldova after fleeing the war. The entrepreneur says she immediately identified with Virginia’s story and did not hesitate when the NEA proposed taking her on as an intern.

“I myself went through this, and that is exactly why I want to help girls gain confidence and obtain a profession. I had no barriers at all. On the contrary, Virginia seemed very responsible and eager to learn. I already have experience working with Roma people, and a very positive one. In Ukraine I worked in tailoring and collaborated with the Roma community”,says Maria.

Moreover, the entrepreneur sees Virginia as an example for other young women in the community.

“In many Roma families, girls are not allowed to study or pursue a profession. That is why Virginia’s success becomes important for other girls as well. I know that after her example, other people, including her sister, also came to the courses”, adds Maria.

Virginia Duminică, an example for young people

Her example has become a source of inspiration for other young people who until recently did not believe they could obtain a profession or stable job. After seeing Virginia attend courses, start her internship, and earn her own money, several Roma girls and boys decided to enrol in vocational training programmes.

“I passed the information on, and, after my recommendation, other young people also went to courses. Some girls are learning manicure, others hairdressing. Even Roma boys go to barber training and internships”, she says.

Virginia emphasises that in the Roma community it is very important for people to see real-life success stories, as this helps them gain confidence that they, too, can succeed.

First earnings and the beginning of independence

For Virginia, financial independence means much more than a salary. It means freedom, security, and self-confidence.

“I felt very good when I started earning on my own. I am no longer dependent on anyone. It is easier in your heart when you know you can provide something for your children without asking for help”, she says.

That is why Virginia is continuously investing in her professional development, buying materials and equipment for cosmetology and manicure, convinced that work and education will ensure long-term stability.

“When I received my first money, the first thing I did was buy what I needed for work: nail gels, facial masks, a cosmetology table. From each stipend and from every amount I receive, I set aside 500-600 lei so I can further invest in what I do”, she explains.

The dream of a salon for Roma women

Although still in her internship period, Virginia already has loyal clients for her cosmetology services. However, her dream goes beyond her own career. She wants to create a space where Roma women can learn and work in the beauty field.

“I hope that in the future we will open something of our own, where Roma women can come, do internships, and learn a profession. It is easier for them when they see someone ‘like them’ who has succeeded”, she concludes.

Virginia Duminică’s story is one of courage, support, and the chance to start again. With the help of courses and internships provided through the NEA and initiatives supported by the EU4Youth programme, a mother who had never had a job has discovered not only a profession, but also confidence in her own abilities.