ARTICLE 19 Europe, in partnership with the Moldovan Association of ICT Companies (ATIC), successfully delivered the first phase of the Training of Practitioners (ToP) programme in Moldova between February and March 2026. The programme brought together information and communications technology (ICT) professionals and civil society representatives for intensive training sessions in Chișinău, Bălți, and Cahul.
The initiative aims to connect the IT sector with civil society organisations as they increasingly need specialised support to manage digital risks.
Interest exceeded expectations. A total of 42 participants joined from across the country. This group included 16 representatives from IT companies, alongside participants from civil society organisations.
The training encouraged participants to go beyond purely technical skills. It focused on real-world risks, threat modelling, and practical solutions that participants can easily apply to their work.
The programme also offers concrete opportunities for continued engagement. Participants can collaborate directly with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and independent media. They also receive mentorship from experts and can apply for mini-grants to implement digital security solutions.
An important step towards strengthening the digital security ecosystem
‘We are pleased to contribute to strengthening the digital security ecosystem in Moldova through the DigitalSafeguard programme. Civil society organisations, independent media, and activists face increasingly complex digital threats. These threats affect their ability to work safely and effectively. We designed this training to respond to these challenges and to create collaboration between IT experts and civil society,’ said Irina Maister, coordinator of the Digital Safeguard project.
‘This is only the beginning, and in the next stages we aim to continue the collaboration and support participants in applying in practice what they have learned, in order to help organisations better manage digital risks,’ she added.
Positive feedback and immediate impact
‘The training was a very valuable experience. The trainers were friendly and professional. They presented the material in a clear and structured way. I discovered new tools and practices that I will use both at work and in my daily life,’ said Tatiana, a representative of Moldcell, Chișinău.
‘We thank the ARTICLE 19 Europe team for two days of intensive training. The organisation, content, and delivery were excellent. The practical approach allowed us to apply new skills immediately. The training helped us shift from isolated technical solutions to a more systemic approach to digital risks. We aim to support NGOs and independent media and strengthen civil society,’ said Alexei from SOLID IMPACT, Bălți.
Next stages of the programme
The programme now continues online between April and June. Participants will move to the next phase, where they will develop and implement concrete solutions for civil society with support from mentors.
ATIC and ARTICLE 19 Europe expect participants to stay actively engaged. Their work will help build a national network of digital security practitioners and contribute to a safer and more resilient digital environment in the Republic of Moldova.
About DigitalSafeguard
DigitalSafeguard is a project implemented by ARTICLE 19 Europe with the support of local partners, aimed at strengthening the digital resilience of civil society in the Republic of Moldova by developing digital security capacities and supporting organisations and vulnerable groups with practical tools to protect against digital threats.
