Early intervention provides a better start for children in Fălești
With support from the Government of Germany through KfW and UNICEF, children with developmental needs in Fălești access free, family-centered services that support healthy development from early childhood
Starting in October 2024, children in the Fălești district have benefited from specialized early intervention services that are radically changing the course of their development. The Fălești Early Intervention Center (EIC) offers a modern, safe, and friendly space where specialists and parents work together for the early identification and recovery of developmental delays during an essential stage of childhood.
The Center was modernized and equipped as part of the project ,,Strengthening National Social Services and Systems for Vulnerable and Refugee Children in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented by UNICEF in partnership with Lumos Moldova and the Ministry of Health, with financial support from the Government of Germany through the German Development Bank (KfW).
For children with developmental disorders, intervention carried out between ages 0 and 5 is decisive. During this period, a child's capacity to learn, adapt, and recover is particularly high, and specialized support can prevent the escalation of difficulties and the emergence of long-term disabilities. Without early intervention, mild delays can affect later integration into kindergarten, school, and the community.
With the grant support of the Government of Germany through the German Development Bank KfW, UNICEF, in partnership with Lumos Moldova and the Ministry of Health, inaugurated two Early Childhood Intervention Centers in the Cimișlia and Fălești districts. To ensure access to services close to the community, five Child Development Offices were created in each district within rural Health Centers and Family Doctor Offices, across 10 localities: Cimișlia, Fălești, Javgur, Batîr, Satul Nou, Gura Galbenei, Scumpia, Albinețul Vechi, Pîrlița, and Răuțel.
Visible Impact for Children and Families
Throughout 2025, in the town of Fălești, over 190 children benefited from evaluations and specialized early intervention services, including periodic re-evaluations to monitor progress. All services are offered free of charge to children aged 0 to 5, facilitating access for everyone, including those from families facing financial difficulties. For some children, these services have meant the first spoken words, the first steps taken without support, or successful integration into kindergarten.
Interventions are carried out by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a speech therapist, physical therapist, psychologist, social worker, and pediatrician, who collaborate effectively to provide support tailored to each child's needs. The results are reflected in improved motor development and communication, as well as in the children's increased confidence and social inclusion.
The People Behind the Change
,,The joy in the eyes of a child who manages to pronounce their first sound is immeasurable” - Natalia Martîniuc, Speech Therapist Assistant, Early Intervention Center, Fălești
For Natalia Martîniuc, work as a speech therapist is a true race against time. She speaks about the progress made in correcting the "R" sound, one of the most difficult for children. ,,Children come with great desire, especially those who felt marginalized at kindergarten because they couldn't speak correctly. Their happiness when they succeed is our energy”. Even after children pass the age limit for the center's services, Natalia continues to guide parents so that the results achieved are maintained over time.
,,Acceptance is the first step toward recovery” - Olga Ciupac, Psychologist, Early Intervention Center, Fălești
The psychologist's work often focuses on supporting parents who go through difficult stages of accepting a diagnosis. Olga emphasizes that family involvement is essential: ,,When the specialist and the parents work together, the results are remarkable, reaching a success rate of up to 90%”. Through constant counseling, parents learn how to support the child's development in everyday life.
,,We have united the medical, social, and educational dimensions for the same goal” - Cristina Lungu, Head of the Center and Social Worker
Cristina Lungu highlights that the center meets a real need in the community. ,,Previously, children were sent from one specialist to another. Here, we work as a unified team”. In addition to therapeutic intervention, the center provides social support to vulnerable families, ensuring that material difficulties do not become an obstacle in the recovery process.
,,Through the support of the Government of Germany through KfW, early intervention services in Fălești contribute to building a system that places the child and the family at the center of the intervention. Modern infrastructure, dedicated teams, and free access to services create real prerequisites for healthy and balanced development”, says Angela Capcelea, Health Specialist at UNICEF.
Supported by the Government of Germany through KfW, children in Fălești receive specialized support, but also the chance to develop their potential and to have a better start in life alongside their families and community.
