Young people from Cahul and Leova learned how to monitor local budgets allocated to youth activities

During 30 June – 1 July 2026, the NGO “Step by Step South Region” organized two training workshops dedicated to the analysis and monitoring of local budgets allocated to youth activities. The sessions were held at the Cahul Municipal Youth Centre and the Leova Youth Centre, bringing together young people interested in understanding how public resources for youth policies are planned and used.

The workshops aimed to strengthen participants’ skills in public budget monitoring and participation in local decision-making processes by providing them with the tools needed to analyze budget documents and formulate evidence-based recommendations for local public authorities.

Throughout the training sessions, participants discussed the structure and preparation process of local budgets, the sources of local government revenues, and the way expenditures for youth activities are planned. They also analyzed examples of local budgets, identified mechanisms for monitoring budget implementation, and explored ways in which citizens and youth organizations can contribute to greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

An important component of the workshops was the practical exercise. Working in teams, participants analyzed local budgets, identified priorities and challenges related to financing youth policies, and developed recommendations for local public authorities aimed at improving the planning and allocation of financial resources.

Through these activities, participants strengthened their understanding of local public finance and enhanced their capacity to actively engage in monitoring public policies and advocating for the interests of young people in their communities.

We thank all participants and local partners—the Cahul Municipality City Hall, the Leova District Council, the Cahul Municipal Youth Centre, and the Leova Youth Centre—for their involvement, support, and excellent cooperation in organizing these activities.

The activities were carried out within the project “PARTNER – Young People from Cahul and Leova for Participation, Responsibility and Cooperation in Local Governance”, implemented by the NGO “Step by Step South Region” under the grant programme “Empowering Women and Youth”.

This project is funded by the European Union and co-funded by Sweden. It is implemented by the East Europe Foundation in partnership with the National Youth Council of Moldova, the Partnership for Development Center, and the Regional Development Agency NGO from Tiraspol.

The content of this material is the sole responsibility of the NGO “Step by Step South Region” and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, Sweden, or the East Europe Foundation.