Browsing by Author "Bejenaru, Iulia"

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Assessing and enhancing children's well-being in Moldova: a methodological framework aligned with EU standards
(INCE, ASEM, 2024) Bejenaru, Iulia; Doga, Valeriu; Ciobanu, Mihail
Assessing children's well-being is a multifaceted process involving evaluation of various dimensions of child's life, including health, education, social relationships, and economic resources. The paper explores key methodological approaches to assessing children's well-being, with a focus on harmonizing Moldova's indicators with European Union (EU) standards. The study reviews 8 approaches, including multidimensional indicators, child rights-based measures, quality of life assessments, economic resources evaluations, health and development metrics, and the participatory approach. In addition, it outlines the necessary steps for aligning Moldova's child-related statistics with EU frameworks, such as the European Statistical System (ESS) and the Child Well-being Index (CWI). The paper concludes with analysis of Moldova’s recent trends, highlighting increase in children with disabilities and changes in vaccination rates, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive policies and specialized services. By adopting harmonized methodologies and implementing targeted interventions, Moldova can significantly improve the well-being of child population and align with EU standards. The paper was developed within the framework of Subprogram 030101 „Strengthening the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of the economy of the Republic of Moldova in the context of the accession process to the European Union”, institutional funding.
Evaluating accessibility of IT summer camps for children in the Republic of Moldova
(2024) Ciobanu, Mihail; Bejenaru, Iulia; Savcenco, Silvia
The rapid growth of information technologies over recent decades led to the emergence of IT-oriented summer camps for children. Initially rare, these camps have become more prevalent, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, to equip youth with essential IT skills early on. Covering a range of fields from programming and mobile app development to robotics, cybersecurity, digital citizenship, AI, and virtual realities, these camps aim to enhance digital literacy, foster innovation, and prepare children for future IT careers. As part of the IT industry, these camps reflect its evolving challenges and opportunities, promoting a culture of collaboration and learning. In response to global IT trends, Moldova has launched initiatives to boost IT education and digital literacy, especially among girls and young people. In 2015, GirlsGoIT was founded to encourage girls towards STEM careers, and the STEP IT Academy Moldova branch was opened, offering IT education for all ages. 2016 saw the launch of IUCOSOFT LLC, focusing on Java programming courses. The Tekwill ICT Innovation Center, established in 2017, represents a significant public-private partnership, which includes Tekwill Academy Kids for IT and digital arts education for youth. The same year also saw the start of RoboCode School, focusing on robotics, and Impact Academies & Camps Organization, which promotes programming, digital literacy, and soft skills through summer camps. These efforts aim to develop the IT potential of Moldova's younger generation. The question is how accessible are the IT summer camps to beneficiaries – the children.
SME sector in conditions of ecological transformation
(INCE, 2024) Colesnicova, Tatiana; Bejenaru, Iulia
This research analyzes the problems of the SME sector in the context of1 environmental transformation. The report of the UN Commission on Environmental Problems forecasts revealed that our planet will face serious environmental changes until 2032. Human activity will lead to deformation of more than 70% of the Earth's surface and disappearance of more than a quarter of flora and fauna species. The threat of shortages of clean air, drinking water and virgin landscapes is becoming a reality. According to WHO, 80% of diseases are linked to poor quality water, and about 5 million people die each year from dirty water. In the future, water may become the cause of conflicts similar to modern conflicts over oil. The relevance of this research lies in the founding solutions to reduce negative environmental impacts, especially in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play an important role in the economy. Sustainable business development becomes a key element for the protection of nature and public health. In Moldova, the issue of environmental transformation of SMEs is insufficiently researched, which emphasizes the relevance of this research. The aim of this research is to determine the role of SMEs in the ecological transformation of the economy, as well as to identify barriers and opportunities for the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies in this sector. Scientifical methods include analyzing statistical data, analyzing surveys and interviews with experts, as well as comparative analysis of other countries' experience. The results of the research reveal that improving environmental indicators open a new business opportunity for SMEs, but the main barriers are lack of resources, skilled labor and knowledge. Support from public authorities is required to balance economic and environmental interests and ensure sustainable development.