Moldova “I’m happy when I play the MOVE fair play football”

Project : MOVE 9 Jun 2010 |

The MOVE fairplay football tournaments organized in three Moldovan regions in May 2010 had the objective to raise the awareness of relevant actors about the destiny of Moldovan children in difficult life situations and to promote their further development and social integration.

Valentine lives in a small picturesque city by the name of Cricova. The city is first of all a tourist attraction famous for its underground wine-vaults which are filled with renowned Moldovan wine. Yet not too many tourists wonder what life is like for the local people, what obstacles they have to overcome to provide a descent living for themselves and their children. There are many families like that throughout Moldova. Valentine’s household is not much different from the rest of Moldovan children, whose parents went abroad, seeking a better life and a better future.

Valentine is 12 years old and he is a 5th grade student of the theoretic lyceum “Alexei Mateevici” in the city of Cricova. For the last seven years Valentine has not seen his father who went to Portugal to earn money. Valentine’s mother works in Israel. The last time mother and son met was two years ago; for the most part they stay in touch via telephone. Valentine lives with his elder brother.

Valentine joined the MOVE project last year. Out of all the games of the MOVE project that the children play, he prefers fair play football. «I love football because this is a popular game and many kids like it. When I play fair play football I feel safe, I am happy, I am excited and I have a positive attitude. Fair play football makes it easier for me to interact with other children; during the game we are taught to help each other, we become one close-knit team, and we don’t have winners or losers. We don’t compete with each other and this is very important. »

In one of his telephone conversations Valentine told his mother that he is now part of the MOVE project. «My mother was very excited; she said that I did very well and that I need to continue to participate in the project. »

There are times when life is difficult for Valentine; he misses greatly the most precious person in his life – his mother. Valentine has good marks in school; his favourite subjects are geography and physical education.

Being asked about his future plans, Valentine answered that he would like to continue to participate in the MOVE project, and in the future dreams of becoming a professional football player. [NM]