Data for Impact Wins USAID’s 2023 CLA Case Competition for Work in Moldova September 26, 2023 The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau for Policy, Planning, and Learning has recognized USAID/Moldova’s Data for Impact (D4I) activity for external collaboration and adaptive management. D4I was one of nine winners of the 2023 Collaborate, Learn, and Adapt (CLA) Case Competition among more than 150 applicants. In Moldova, D4I works in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MOLSP), National Social Assistance Agency, Territorial Social Assistance Structures, universities, and technical colleges. D4I has provided technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of national and subnational authorities to collect better quality data, analyze it more effectively, and ultimately use that data to make better decisions and improve outcomes for the children in adversity. D4I assists the MOLSP’s and its partners’ response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis to integrate data-driven decision making more effectively into their strategic planning and emergency response. Two Data Review Rooms were launched in 2023 to support the MOLSP and Stefan Voda district (one of the main crossing points from Ukraine to Moldova) in addressing the needs for accommodation, access to cash allowances, basic services, and support to over 100,000 refugees within Moldova’s borders. By harnessing the power of locally-led CLA, D4I has created a cultural shift in using data to improve child outcomes in Moldova. Evidence of the cultural shift toward data use is seen in the now oft-repeated phrase by Moldovan decision makers and practitioners, “We cannot improve what we cannot measure.” “This award amplifies D4I’s work in Moldova for the weakest and most vulnerable children, families, and other marginalized groups hit by an endless series of crises. D4I is committed to these populations and continues to support the country to advance children’s rights,” stated Camelia Gheorghe, D4I Chief of Party in Moldova. “We are extremely proud of the well-deserved recognition for the excellent and impactful work done by the D4I team in Moldova,” says Jessica Fehringer, D4I project director. This recognition is the latest award for D4I’s activities in Moldova. In June 2023, D4I consortium partner Palladium accepted the Global Impact Award from the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA) for its support to Ukrainian refugees. USAID administers the U.S. foreign assistance program providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries worldwide. Visit USAID’s Learning Lab to learn more about the 2023 CLA Case Competition and winners. Click here to learn more about D4I’s work in Moldova.
