Five officials from the country of Moldova visited Elon Friday, Feb. 9. Details...
The delegation was hosted at lunch by President Leo M. Lambert and Provost Gerald Francis. Following lunch, Dr. William Rich took the delegation on a tour of the campus.
The Moldovan delegation included:
- Dr. Andrei Galben
Rector
Independent International University of Moldova
- Ambassador Ceslav Ciobanu
- Dr. Oleg Serebrian
Vice-Rector of ULIM
- Dr. Vsevolod Grigore
Counselor at the Embassy
- Julie Donat
Interpreter
Moldova and North Carolina have had a Sister State relationship since 1991 to encourage collaboration and cultural exchange.
A few facts about Moldova:
GEOGRAPHY
Moldova is located to the east of Romania and to the north of Turkey. About the size of Maryland, it has a population of approximately 5 million. This is a Christian enclave, with the main religion being Eastern Orthodox (98%). The terrain varies from mountainous in the north to piedmont and level farmlands in the south.
STANDARD OF LIVING
An average wage is $40/month; more in the cities. Cost of living is very low. Literacy is almost universal and most students are learning English. Health care is rudimentary. Computers are becoming common.
INDUSTRY
Wine-making, agriculture including significant tobacco and cotton. R.J. Reynolds is now signing contracts there for production of tobacco. Textile manufacture, also cut-and-sew. Many handcrafts. Capital for industry is seriously limited.
POLITICAL STABILITY
Hostilities in the civil war in the Transnistria region ceased in 1992, and since it has been relatively quiet. There is a democratically elected parliament, with a president. Most land and formerly state-owned industries have been recently privatized. There is little crime.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Moldovans are very eager to communicate with and become affiliated with the west. The U. S. State Dept. and military units are promoting civic links with former Soviet bloc countries.
SIMILARITIES WITH N.C.
Include similar piedmont terrain; economic activities (production of cotton, tobacco, and textiles).
UNIVERSITY EXCHANGES
The entire University of N.C. system is now engaged in an exchange with the university system of Moldova.
SECONDARY SCHOOL EXCHANGES
There have been good results in some parts of N.C. with these exchanges, which are undertaken mainly via e-mail, and in English.
CULTURAL EXCHANGES
Moldovans are a very artistic people, with interest in orchestra, jazz, painting, carvings, etc.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUMANITARIAN RELIEF
There is substantial support now being undertaken from several foundations for relief efforts there. There is a great deal of need in the hospitals, orphanages, shelters, etc., and there is grant money available to aid in this process. The N.C. National Guard maintains an ongoing presence in Moldova and has a certain amount of logistical support available to foster civic exchange programs.