Children from home and abroad participated in the #AcasăCamp summer camps between 14 July 14 and 15 August. The events are organized for the third consecutive year by the Alliance of Hometown Associations of Moldova, contributing to increased social cohesion.

In the 2025 edition, the European Union's Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP, supported the organization of summer camps in six beneficiary localities: Hîrbovăț, Holercani, Puhăceni, Coșnița, Cîrnățeni, and Sănătăuca. A total of 203 children participated, including 58 from the diaspora. 

One of them is Ecaterina Calmîc, 11 years old. Born in Italy, she comes every summer to visit her grandparents in Hîrbovăț: "I chose to come to camp again this year because I have things to do here. If I stayed at home, I think I would spend all day on my phone, I would be bored, but here I have things to do and I have friends." 

"We have been living in Ireland for four years and every summer I come to Hîrbovăț to visit my grandparents, where I play with my friends," adds Valeria Neguță, 11. 

"The #AcasăCamp camps have become a space for reconnecting children from the country and those from the diaspora. From one edition to the next, these camps evolve, integrating themes relevant to the current context. Thus, each edition better responds to the needs of participants and reflects the values of our communities. From promoting local traditions to getting involved in environmental protection, we see how these camps grow with the generations that experience them. At the same time, they create a conducive environment for dialogue, learning, and social cohesion in communities in the Republic of Moldova," explains Violeta Ciuperca, Executive Director of the Alliance of Hometown Associations of Moldova.

The camps combined fun activities with educational ones. This year, #AcasăCamp focused on promoting human rights, equality, and diversity through games and workshops. 

"This year, I liked the trips the most. We took a boat trip on the Nistru River and visited the Tighina Fortress. I was very impressed," says Sorina Croitor from Hîrbovăț. 

"I liked the trips and I also learned about equality and that if someone upsets someone else, then we have to protect them," adds Petru Croitor, 11. 

"Summer camps are not just an escape from children's daily activities, but become real bridges between generations, between locals and children returning from the diaspora. Year after year, they strengthen the sense of belonging and longing for home. And this year, we chose to organize the trip on the Nistru precisely because it so beautifully symbolizes the connection between the banks, between worlds. Just as the Nistru unites communities on both banks, we want to unite the hearts of children. Because home is not a place on the map—it is a feeling that can cross any border," concludes Anastasia Bacico, president of the Hometown Association of Hîrbovăț.