The Cultural Hall in Teiu, on the left bank of the Nistru River, is reopening its doors to host cultural events in the locality. In the 55 years since its founding, this was the first major renovation carried out with the support of the European Union's Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP. 

The total investment of approximately €103,907 covered essential repairs to improve the conditions for holding events. These included: complete replacement of the roof, replacement of the windows in the banquet hall, and installation of modern sanitary facilities in the building.

Six artistic ensembles operate in the Teiu Cultural Hall: four dance ensembles and one guitar and one drum ensemble. Craft courses for all ages are also organized. In addition to daily activities, the Cultural Hall hosts cultural events attended by both village residents and those from the surrounding area, including ensembles from the right bank of the Nistru. 

"Without this renovation I believe that in another year or two the building was at risk of disappearing entirely; the ceiling could have even collapsed. Now, after the repair work, everyone who enters is surprised by what they see. They have better facilities and, more importantly, a desire to visit the Culture House more often for our competitions and our dance, music, and folklore clubs," mentions Natalia Galatonova, the artistic director of the Culture Hall.

The renovation of the Teiul Cultural Hall was selected as a community priority following consultations with locals and former residents, as part of an exercise carried out by the hometown association. At the same time, funds were raised to renovate the foyer of the institution.

For more than a year, with guidance from the European Union and UNDP, the hometown association learned how to leverage local and diaspora human and financial resources to implement development initiatives, thereby contributing to improving the quality of life. 

"Little by little, we managed to repair the foyer. We raised even more than we thought we would, a total of about 40,000 lei. We have ideas to continue, because the walls on the façade are crumbling, and our hall is large and beautiful, so resources will be needed there too," adds Elena Postica, director of the CSO "Development of the villages of Teiu and Tocmazeia".

The renovation of the Cultural Hall in Teiu is one of six infrastructure projects on both banks of the Nistru River selected to receive support from the EU and UNDP. 

Thus, the European Union and UNDP continue their support for improving cooperation between communities on both banks of the Nistru River through joint projects involving local partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. 

Download here the press-release in Russian.