FAQs

Q. Where is Moldova? What language do they speak there? What's it like? Are you going to freeze your behind off?

A. (taken from CIA World Factbook): Moldova is located between Romania to the west and Ukraine to the east. It was part of the former USSR and got its independance in 1991. It is slightly larger than Maryland and has a population of 4.4 million. The primary language is Romanian, though Russian is spoken in certain regions and in cities. People are primarily Eastern Orthodox Christian. It has one television station (!) and the literacy rate is at almost 100%, higher than that of the US. (A correlation, perhaps...?) It is considered the poorest country in Europe (GDP per capita: $1,900 ; in US: $40,100). The infant mortality rate is much higher than ours at 40.42 deaths per 1000 births, and life expectancy is lower at 61 for men and 69 for women.

It is a relatively flat country, with the highest point about 1400 feet. There is a lot of farmland and Moldovans are very proud of the wine and champagne they produce. You can look at some photos of the country here: http://www.moldova.com/gallery0.asp As for climate, "Moldova's climate is moderately continental: the summers are warm and long, with temperatures averaging about 68°F, and the winters are relatively mild and dry, with January temperatures averaging 25°F [in Portland, 40°F]. Annual rainfall, which ranges from around 23 inches in the north to 16 inches in the south, can vary greatly; long dry spells are not unusual. The heaviest rainfall occurs in early summer and again in October; heavy showers and thunderstorms are common. Because of the irregular terrain, heavy summer rains often cause erosion and river silting." (US Library of Congress)

To the current Moldovan PC volunteers who have complained about the rain, can I just point out that in Portland we get an average of 36 inches a year? Boo-yah!

Q. How long will you be serving for?

A. I train from September 12, 2005 to Nov 24, 2005 before being sworn in. Then I serve as a volunteer from November 25, 2005 till November 24, 2007, two days after Thanksgiving. Save me some turkey.

Q. What are you going to be doing there?


A. Ah yes, that's a very good question. Here's an abridged version of what my official assignment paperwork says: "As a community development volunteer, you will assist community-based organizations to develop into sustainable, participatory and effective organizations.......help improve access to information at the local level......and work with organizations to develop effective networks and programs consistent with their organizational missions and the needs of the community..."

If you can figure out what that means I'll actually be *doing*, please let me know.