2007 News Archive

Ambassador Kirby Celebrates Community Center Opening

November 21, 2007

Ambassador Kirby cuts the ribbon, officially reopening the newly remodeled Community Center. More pictures...

At least half of the 300 residents of Floresti, Moldova joined Ambassador Michael D. Kirby and several American and Moldovan officials to celebrate the re-opening of the village Community Center after extensive remodeling managed by the Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation .  The United States spent over $93,000 to renovate the community center, creating a valuable social and educational site for the small town.  The repairs included painting, remodeling, the installation of a water supply, sewage system, and a gas operated heating system, plus landscaping and creation of a playground.  The community center now includes a pre-school, medical clinic and social area.

Under sunny skies, village women sang a blessing song to consecrate the center, while two local children presented a traditional gift of bread to the Ambassador in thanks for America’s role in improving the lives of the residents.  Following remarks by the Ambassador and a tour of the new facility, everyone joined together to share a celebratory lunch.

This project was administered through the United States European Command Humanitarian Assistance Program, and funded through generous donations of the American people.  The renovation of this community center is just one of three projects carried out in association with military-medical exercise MEDCEUR which took place this past summer.  The other two projects were the renovation of an artesian well in the village of Cubusca Veche and a medical outreach effort. 

Americans and Moldovan all worked to make this project a success.  The Ministry of Defense identified the need for the project, and the local and regional governments and private individuals all played critical roles.