As part of the “EDSA Talks” series, EDSA spoke on 10 March 2026 with Natalia Gheorghiu from the organisation A.O. Prietena mea in Moldova.
Representing EDSA were Dinka, Isidro, Monika, Mari Paz and Cora.
The Moldovan Down’s syndrome organisation has been a member of EDSA since 2022. We have already reported briefly on its work on several occasions; for example, we featured the children’s book “A Gift from Moldova” in the July 2025 EDSA newsletter. Through the talk with Natalia, we were able to learn more about the work of Prietena mea. The association does not have its own website. Instead, it offers a platform with information for parents (abilitare.md) and is very active on social media.
Prietena mea is in contact with around 100 families, most of whom have young children with Down’s syndrome, however there are families where there are children with other disabilities as well.
The organisation operates from an office with a small team of five people. Although Prietena Mea organizes monthly activities for children with Down syndrome, as well as campaigns and trainings, the association does not have many of its own premises for activities and does not provide therapies itself. Instead, it advises parents and puts them in contact with therapists. Families receive a small amount of support money from state, as well as free healthcare for children with disabilities.
Situation of people with DS in Moldova
Early intervention is not standard practice, as there are not enough therapists and the services are expensive. The association tries to establish partnerships with therapists who offer their services free of charge, but there are only a few of them and usually only for a limited period of time. In most cases, parents have to cover the costs themselves. One of the association’s main concerns is to improve access to these services.
The situation in schools is very encouraging. In Moldova, inclusion in nurseries and schools has not only been enshrined in law for five years, but is also being put into practice. There is no longer a separate system for children with special educational needs. This is particularly noteworthy, as most European countries are still a long way from achieving this standard.
All children with Down’s syndrome are integrated into mainstream nurseries and schools, where they are supported by special needs teachers and teaching assistants. Many parents speak positively about their experiences with the schools.
The situation for adults with Down’s syndrome, however, is not very good. There are no jobs available in the mainstream labour market, even though the law requires this, nor are there other opportunities for participation in working life. This is a major problem for families. Natalia hopes that the situation will improve in the coming years.
Medical care is well organised and free of charge. However, doctors are not always up to date with the latest developments regarding Down’s syndrome. Overall, the medical situation is considered satisfactory.
In total, between 2,000 and 2,500 people with Down’s syndrome are estimated to live in Moldova, although precise statistics are not available. It is estimated that there about 50 children with Down’s syndrome are born each year.
Prenatal tests are available for pregnant women, but the results are often inaccurate. It is not known whether, or how many, abortions take place when Down’s syndrome is suspected. In general, abortion is not socially or culturally accepted.
Project work with parents
A central focus of the organisation’s work is supporting the parents of children with disabilities. The aim is to give these parents a voice, as they often feel isolated, overlooked and not taken seriously.
For some time now, a few programmes have been put in place to bring parents together. For many of them, this is a completely new experience, as they have not previously had the opportunity to participate in such activities. Regular meetings with a mentor are designed to strengthen their self-confidence and empower them to stand up for their children’s rights and interests.
Many parents find it difficult to cope with having a child with a disability, and some require additional support, such as trauma therapy.
The first course proved to be a success, and the participating parents have become much more confident. For example, they are now more actively engaging with schools and local authorities. The project will therefore be continued.
To support the implementation of the parents’ programme, Prietena mea has launched a platform in partnership with UNICEF. The platform provides resources for parents and professionals working with people with disabilities, including books, videos and other materials. Currently, over 30,000 singular users have accessed these resources. Although the platform is still in its early stages, it is expected to expand so that more information and resources on working with teenagers and adults will also become available.
A course on children’s sexual development and sex education is currently a very serious topic of discussion within the organisation.
In addition, three camps are planned for 2026 and 2027. Similar camps have already been organised very successfully in previous years.
What can EDSA do for you?
Natalia hopes that, through EDSA, Prietena mea will be able to establish more contact with other associations and learn from their experiences. Until now, Moldova has largely been on its own. She also hopes to receive suggestions on how to better organise and further develop the work with parents.
