Initial situation and challenges

Moldova is also referred to as the "poorhouse of Europe". The per capita income in this country is just CHF 200 per month, around 20 times less than in Switzerland. One of the most blatant signs of Moldova's poverty is the way people live there. Often people live far out in the country and thus far away from any civilization. There is neither electricity nor running water. As well, firewood for heating is scarce, while the temperatures in winter sink to -30°C. There is no possibility to get a job, and as to going to the next market with garden products, the way is too far and the road too catastrophic. In many places, the state has also closed all schools - for economic reasons. Thus the children have no prospect of a school education and the downward spiral begins early in their lives to turn downwards.