The S.P.A.R.K. intervention in Moldova presented here is a new model for building effective resilience in vulnerable and disadvantaged children – a collaborative SEL initiative for children, families and teachers. The intervention proposed by Caritas Moldova represents a paradigm shift from sporadic support to a highly structured, integrated model with significantly higher added value. This project is explicitly an innovative application of best practices designed for measurable, sustainable impact. 

The project has three objectives, as follows: 

1. Structured and inclusive centers tailored to children

• Regular extracurricular clubs and psychosocial support (PSS) activities
• Child-centered, participatory, and inclusive methods
• Properly equipped learning and recreation spaces
• Equal access for girls and boys, including children with disabilities

2. Empowered caregivers and strengthened families

• 6 structured interactive workshops for parents
• Practical tools for stress management and positive parenting
• Peer support groups and follow-up counseling
• Equal involvement of mothers, fathers, and caregivers

3. Unified SEL system and institutional capacity building

• Facilitators trained in SEL, PSS, and child protection
• Common SEL language and tools across all centers
• Coaching and peer learning (17 Caritas centers involved)
• The “Summer Lab – A Family Journey in SEL” program

The project is based on three core pillaras: Integration of a structured SEL curriculum to increase effectiveness, Resilient caregivers – increasing resilience through a multiplier effect, Investment in the sustainable development of educational staff. 

This transformative project directly benefits over 275 people:

• over 150 participants in the districts of Orhei and Ungheni, including around 100 children and young people from extracurricular centres and 50 carers, volunteers and educational staff from refugee and host communities involved in capacity building,
• over 75 educational staff from Caritas Moldova children's centres in the districts of Singerei, Cahul, Causeni, Stefan Voda and the Transnistria region who are involved in peer learning, mentoring and knowledge exchange sessions, and over 50 children and young people from the districts of Orhei, Ungheni, Singerei, Cahul, Causeni, Stefan Voda and the Transnistria region who are participating in the summer lab "A Family Journey in Social-Emotional Learning".