How are build social policies depends on us

"Why do we need social policies?" was the question that started the 13th course of the Advanced Political Learning School entitled “Social Policy in the Republic of Moldova: from theory to practice", supported on 24 and 25 February by the sociologist Diana Cheianu - Andrei, expert of IDIS "Viitorul".

In this sense, young leaders have known the significance of public and social policies, have identified the main categories of people whom they are addressed, learned about the basic components of this policy and even tried to develop a social initiative based on the elements of a public policy. In author’s opinion, social policies aim to satisfy human needs and, in general, to increase the collective welfare. A separate chapter was given to the position of the state in regulating social policies, which plays four roles, namely: the manufacturer, purchaser, regulator and, not least, the role of fundraiser, roles, which, managed properly, ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of social policies. "Depending of what policy elaborates those from the power, we “charge” them at the next elections," said Mrs. Diana Cheianu - Andrei. She also considers that is necessary to establish and strengthen partnership between the government and the civil society in the formulation and implementation of social policies in Moldova. "Public policies are the most important election, and how are build social policies depends on us", concluded the expert. This opinion was also shared by Igor Ciurea, one of the participants who said that, since is not from where to take the contributions, they don’t have how to come to us, and that, in this sense, the state is not the only guily one. However, one of the most memorable statement exposed during the course was "You have to think so to give a hook to the people in order to learn them to catch the fish."

The practical aspects of the social policy have been discussed in the second part of the course, where the expert IDIS "Viitorul" spoke about the protection and social security: definitions, principles, measures, types of benefits and social services, including current trends. "Our system is far from perfect. There are a lor of problems in the insurance system in our country: instability, migration, low pensions and pressure on the economically active population. In Moldova, the old age pension covers 70.6% of the subsistence minimum, which is 1373.4 lei, while in some European countries this percentage characterize the relationship between pensions and average salary”, said Mrs. Diana Cheianu - Andrei.

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The project "Advanced Learning for Highly Motivated Young Political Leaders in Moldova" runs from September 2011 - August 2012 and aims to train young political leaders in Moldova, training based on applying interactive learning methods. Theoretical courses are held weekly by a team of experts from academia, business and public administration, career diplomats and other public actors.

Material prepared by Veverita Ana - Maria, Project Assistant, Institute for Development and Social Initiatives (IDIS) „Viitorul”, phone: 221844, e-mail: ana.veverita@viitorul.org