People facing difficulties, such as former drug users, prisoners or those living with HIV, find refuge in the village of Beriozchi, in the Anenii Noi district of Moldova. Here, the social enterprise “ECO LIFE FOR YOU” SRL, created by the “Positive Initiative” Public Association, provides support for rehabilitation and offers employment opportunities.
Since 2018, 26 people who were released from detention have benefited from the assistance provided by this enterprise.
“The social enterprise serves as a platform for vulnerable individuals, enabling them to learn about business processes, become more organized, take responsibility and develop teamwork skills,” says Constantin Cearanovski, the administrator of “ECO LIFE FOR YOU” SRL.
“After completing the rehabilitation period, beneficiaries have the opportunity to secure a job for either a short or long duration, thus facilitating their integration into the labour market.”
The number of employees, aged between 25 and 35 years varies seasonally, ranging from three to six individuals. Most of them are former convicts or people who have battled substance abuse and undergone rehabilitation.
In addition, the village of Beriozchi offers social and economic integration services to approximately 20 people. Through these initiatives, the social enterprise not only promotes quality products but also contributes to improving the lives of the most vulnerable members of society, providing them with a chance for successful reintegration into the community.
“ECO LIFE FOR YOU” SRL also features a mini dairy farm, managed by the beneficiaries, from which fresh milk is quickly transported to a natural ice cream production unit.
“We operate a dairy farm and an ice cream making department where we produce natural ice cream under the ‘CreamBerg’ brand,” Cearanovski explains.
To increase its sales and expand, the social enterprise secured a grant in 2023 as part of the project “We Capitalize on the Potential of Civil Society for the Promotion and Development of Social Entrepreneurship in the Republic of Moldova.”
The grant, valued at EUR 37,500, was provided by the European Union, co-financed by Sweden and implemented by the East European Foundation. With these funds, the enterprise purchased four mobile refrigerators, stainless steel containers, and essential ingredients for ice cream production, while also investing in strategies to enhance sales and hire necessary staff.
“This support is invaluable to us,” Cearanovski says. “Thanks to EU assistance, we can implement our social programmes, enabling individuals from at-risk groups – former drug addicts, those living with HIV, and former prisoners – to learn and receive therapy and rehabilitation services, secure employment, and continue adapting to society, which is crucial.”
Currently, ice cream sales occur exclusively at local public events such as fairs and festivals. In the future, the entrepreneur plans to seek external grants to open a specialized store.
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The project “We Capitalize on the Potential of Civil Society for the Promotion and Development of Social Entrepreneurship in the Republic of Moldova” aims to enhance the capacity of Moldovan civil society organizations to engage in creating social enterprises that contribute to the economic and sustainable growth of their communities.
The project has a total budget exceeding EUR 1,123,000, and is financed by the European Union within its EU4Business initiative, co-financed by Sweden, and implemented by the East European Foundation.
