The BOOST project is a targeted initiative aimed at strengthening the capacities of community-based organisations in Moldova by equipping them with essential knowledge, financial resources, and technical expertise to provide high-quality afterschool and social services for children and youth. The project specifically prioritises marginalised and vulnerable groups, ensuring equitable access to extracurricular learning and social inclusion. Leveraging the expertise of consortium partners in capacity building, advocacy, and grant management, and working closely with key government institutions, the project seeks to address gaps in resources, competencies, and best practices among grassroots CSOs, fostering a sustainable and inclusive development framework.

Overall objective: to provide inclusive and equitable development opportunities for children through afterschool and social activities in local communities, promoting European good practices.

The project is structured around three specific objectives:
1. Conduct a comprehensive review of the legal and policy frameworks, the current practice of afterschool and extra-curricular activities in Moldova and promote the integration of European good practices to enhance the program quality and inclusivity by the end of the project.
2. Support the development and provision of afterschool/extracurricular and social services for children in local communities by providing financial support to community-based organisations, including social providers and social enterprises.
3. Strengthen the capacities of community-based organisations, including social service providers and social enterprises, through targeted training and skill development initiatives to enhance the quality and effectiveness of service delivery by the end of the project, as well as awareness raising and advocacy for improving policy framework.

The implementation of project activities will result in the following key outputs:
1. A comprehensive analysis of Moldova’s legal framework and current state of afterschool and extracurricular activities, identifying gaps and recommendations for improvement.
2. A study visit to an EU country to examine successful afterschool and social service financing models, informing local adaptation.
3. A blueprint with policy recommendations to enhance the quality and availability of afterschool education and social services in Moldova.
4. The establishment and operation of a Child Advisory Board (CAB) to ensure child participation in decision-making throughout the project.
5. A Train-the-Trainer (ToT) program designed and delivered for education professionals, incorporating European best practices.
6. Financial support awarded to at least 10 CBOs, including social enterprises and social providers, to develop and implement quality afterschool and social programs.
7. At least 10 partnerships established between community-based actors and stakeholders to strengthen local service networks.
8. A capacity development program for CBOs, integrating ongoing mentorship and skill-building to ensure sustainability.
9. Implementation of awareness-raising and advocacy initiatives, promoting the importance of inclusive afterschool services and influencing policy improvements.

By achieving these outputs, the project will:
1. Improve access to high-quality afterschool and social programs for 2,400 children, particularly from marginalised communities.
2. Strengthen the financial and operational capacities of at least 10 community-based organisations (CBOs), enabling them to provide sustainable services.
3. Foster long-term collaboration between CSOs, local authorities, and national policymakers to drive systemic reforms in afterschool education and social care.