FETE + GLOW = Constructive Collaboration

GLOW had the unique opportunity of being a part of F.E.T.E. Program’s female empowerment seminars at their introductory educational courses on October 30^th, 2011. The event was held at Vadului Voda, an area right outside Chisinau that hosts camps and other events throughout the year.

Now, you’re probably wondering, what exactly is F.E.T.E. and what is up with all of these acronyms? Well, I can’t explain all of the acronyms but I can give you some background information on the basis of the F.E.T.E. program.

The Future Empowerment through Experience Program (F.E.T.E. Program) is a program ,in part funded by the United States Department of State, that aims to provide young, rural Moldovan women with a comprehensive understanding of how local public administrations should function in Moldova and the major role they play in the resolution of community problems.

In this five part program, including the introductory sessions in which GLOW took part, participants have the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for successful participation in local community and civic leadership roles, while gaining the knowledge necessary to guide their rural communities toward a more transparent and democratic future. With this knowledge, they are sent out into their communities to assess their needs and finally to implement their own community initiative.

At our GLOW sessions, 33 girls representing regions from all over Moldova were presented with two topics; Self Esteem and Future Planning. I was the first to discuss the issue of self esteem and how girls perceive themselves. I have to say that I have never been met with such an energetic group of young women. They were attentive, creative and hard working. We, in groups, created recipes for a better self esteem and, independently, brochures that each person can take home and remind herself of the wonderful person she is. The six other PCV camp counselors, as well as their translator, even got in on the fun. It was a great time and one of the best seminars I have ever been a part of.

After that, it was Emily’s turn. Her incredible knowledge of career development and the resources available to them gave the girls some great ideas about how they can prepare themselves for a better future.                                                                  

These young women went above and beyond what I was expecting. I only wish we had such a dedicated group of girls at every GLOW event.

If you are interested in the FETE program or have any questions, please contact them at fetemoldova@gmail.com