Chisinau, May 25 (Infotag). On the International Day of Children’s Protection on June 1, Moldova’s first-ever “March of Children” will be held in many populated areas here, it was said at a news conference in Infotag organized today by the Alliance of non-governmental organizations for social protection of the child and the family. Alliance Chairwoman Daniela Popescu said the march will be a part of regional company entitled ”Not Excluding a Single Kid” launched yet in June 2003 in 27 countries of Central and Eastern Europe and former Soviet republics.

Popescu explained that the march will include children involved in various social projects (from large families, special institutions, etc.), as well as adults. By that march, the organizers want to attract public’s attention to the serious problems faced by children who lack education opportunities, parents’ care, who are subjected to physical violence, etc.

In Chisinau, the march will begin at 10 a.m. in the city center and will end in a concert in the central square. The march will be organized by the Alliance with the financial assistance rendered by the UNICEF Moldova Country Office, the IPEC Program of the International Labor Organization, and by the Chisinau Municipality.

The UNICEF Representative at Moldova, Giovanna Barberis, pointed out that a greater part of the one million Moldovan children live in severe poverty. They find it very difficult to get integrated into the society. But particular hardships are awaiting the handicapped children, whose number is nearly 13 thousand in this republic, as well as the pupils of orphanages and boarding schools (over 14 thousand). UNICEF will be always supporting measures aimed at improving the social status of such children, stated Giovanna Barberis.

It was announced at the news conference that the Moldova’s first Center for Orphans’ Rehabilitation, “Vatra”, will be opened in Chisinau on June 1 specially for graduates from orphanages and boarding schools. Such young people will be living at the Center for 2 years, mastering a profession, after which the Center will help them find jobs and housing.

A recent research has revealed that over 25 thousand Moldovan children have been left without family’s care because their parents have gone abroad for jobs.