Moldova, part of the Soviet Union until 1991, is considered the poorest and least developed country in Europe. Decades of corruption, political turmoil, and oligarchic structures have left their mark in many areas. 

Hopes for reform are strong since a new government came to power in 2019. The influence of Russia, the protecting power of the secessionist republic of Transnistria, which is not recognized under international law, is still great.

The urban-rural divide is significant; many villages are not connected to the water and sewage system and can only be reached via unpaved roads. Many Moldovans go abroad as migrant workers and leave their children with relatives for months.  ChildFund Deutschland's projects aim to improve the protection, living conditions, and future opportunities of children, with a strong focus on education.