On March 31 2017, librarians from Drochia, Straseni, Rezina and Dubasari gathered along with their partners to share their successes in developing health and IT services and celebrate the launch of the sustainability phase of Novateca’s Library Network Grant program. The event served as a platform for the 50 participants to discuss best practices and highlight their achievements using online applications.
“We are very proud of the successes registered by these public libraries and hope the goals of this grant will continue to be met through ongoing activities, and that more partnerships and local support will be obtained as a result,” mentioned Evan Tracz, Novateca Program Director.
During October 2016 – March 2017, the Raion Training Centers from Straseni, Drochia, and Rezina have consolidated their networks of local libraries and worked together with medical institutions and LPA representatives to implement successful projects on health, raising awareness about breast and cervical cancer prevention and educating communities on healthy behaviors. At the same time, the Dubasari network of libraries implemented a project on digital inclusion for youth, teaching them how to create digital stories and use various online applications on tablets.
“Unlike the one-on-one medical consultations we usually offer at our offices, the collaboration with the Raion Public Library from Rezina allowed us to reach out to a greater number of people and educate them on healthy lifestyles,” mentioned Maria Leahu, doctor from Rezina.
Over 5500 library users benefited as result of the trainings delivered with the support of more than 150 partners and 80 volunteers involved in these projects.
“I now pay more attention to my health, and am able to detect the primary symptoms using self-examination skills,” mentioned Zinaida Dulghieru, participant of Bucovat Public Library training.
To ensure sustainability, the Heads of the Cultural Department together with the librarians will continue to develop modern library services and make sure their common efforts build strong partnerships under which communities can develop and thrive.
The Novateca Program congratulates all participants in the Network Grants on their impressive achievements and hopes that you will share your innovations and approaches with the entire Moldovan public library network!