„Home at Chisinau” Camp: Strengthening National Cultural Identity and European Values among Diaspora Children through Digital Engagement Via Libraries

Abstract

In the context of increasing migration, preserving cultural identity among diaspora children of the Republic of Moldova becomes an opportunity for connection and continuity. This study presents the outcomes of the first edition of the online educational camp „Acasă la Chișinău” (e.g., „Home at Chisinau”), initiated during July 14th–25th 2025 by the „B.P. Hasdeu” Municipal Library (ML) in Chisinau, and supported by the Chisinau City Hall. The program was designed to reconnect 26 children aged 6–12 from the diaspora from France, Germany, Italy, Romania, Spain, and the UK. The program applied a child-centered, interdisciplinary methodology, combining live Zoom sessions, with educational videos, creative workshops, linguistic exercises, and virtual tours. Activities were developed collaboratively by librarians, writers, museum specialists, artists, and craftspeople, assisted by a team of librarians. It included 44 activities, such as meetings with cultural representatives, language and local cultural heritage lessons, puppet theatre and gastronomy workshops, as well interactive games. The educational content was placed on a dedicated online platform, that focused to children’s language skills and actively involved parents and/or grandparents in the learning process. Results indicated a strong positive impact on participants, including improved Romanian language skills, increased awareness of local cultural heritage, and practical experience of European values such as inclusion and mutual respect. The program also enhanced community engagement and digital outreach, reaching over 3,000 page visits and receiving media coverage. JEL: I21, I25, Z10, Z18