Fălești, March 19, 2026 – Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu carried out a working visit to Fălești District, during which he discussed energy infrastructure development projects in the area, with a particular focus on promoting renewable energy sources.

The minister visited the Traditional Crafts Center in the village of Răuțel, where renovation and energy efficiency works have been completed under the National Program “European Village Express,” implemented in partnership with the National Fund for Regional and Local Development. The project had a budget of 333,510 MDL and benefited more than 3,875 residents, including 110 students and teachers.

The center, opened in 2018, hosts over 80 children who participate in pottery, woodworking, and embroidery workshops, and summer camps are organized for children during the summer. Moreover, students from these creative circles have taken part in various national and international competitions, returning with top prizes.

The children are guided by several master craftsmen, including Dumitru Muruzuc. The artist created his first works in childhood, when he made a propeller airplane, and is now known beyond the country’s borders. One of his works even reached South Korea. He is among the most skilled woodcarvers in the Republic of Moldova.

The minister praised the efforts to preserve folk traditions and pass these values on to younger generations.

“It is extraordinary to see how our traditions are preserved and passed on to children. I wish them success and encourage them to continue this noble work with passion, because in this way our culture will endure and future generations will be able to know and appreciate it,” said Dorin Junghietu.

The official also visited the “Licurici” kindergarten in the village of Izvoare, recently renovated and thermally insulated under the same national program. The project had a budget of 1.8 million MDL and was also implemented in partnership with the National Fund for Regional and Local Development. The kindergarten has over 50 enrolled children. Alina Grigori has been the institution’s director for four years. She says that thanks to thermal insulation, a constant indoor temperature is maintained.

“Following the energy efficiency works, the kindergarten is much warmer and more comfortable. The children feel better and can learn and play in optimal conditions, which is essential for their development,” said Alina Grigori.

The minister also inspected the local water pumping station, equipped with a 6 kW photovoltaic installation and pump, which serves a local water supply system and provides drinking water to 470 households.

The visit concluded with a meeting at the Fălești District Council, attended by local renewable energy entrepreneurs. Representatives of RED Nord and FEE Nord also participated in the meeting, where local energy development projects and initiatives to promote sustainability in the district were discussed.