We all have a superpower: Valeria Lopotenco on how to bring European values closer to Moldovans through communication
For many, superpowers are a myth, something that exists only in movies and fairy tales. Others are convinced that they are real, but look quite different from what we see on the screen. Among those who believes in superpowers is Valeria Lopotenco. Her special ability is to make the values of the European Union more understandable to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova through active communication. How does she do it? Through the Young European Ambassadors (YEA) initiative and the organisation of various thematic events across the country.
Valeria is a 12th grade student at the Spiru Haret Theoretical Lyceum in Chisinau. Her hobbies include music and graphic design, but she enjoys volunteering the most. That’s why she is a member of several initiatives that aim to change society. One of them is the ‘National Idea’ NGO. Its main goal is to tell the citizens of the Republic of Moldova the true history of the Romanian people.
“As part of the NGO, whenever possible, we organise thematic events dedicated to holidays that are significant for our national history, such as 1 December (National Day of Romania) and 27 March (Day of the Unification of Bessarabia with Romania). In addition to this, we try to publish as many videos and posts on various historical topics as possible on our social networks,” says Valeria, adding that the NGO members want to combat misconceptions about the history of Romanians that exist in their society.
Young European Ambassadors? Let’s have a try!
Another organisation Valeria is involved in is the Young European Ambassadors initiative (YEAs), a network of active young volunteers from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, EU member states and the United Kingdom.
“I first heard about this initiative at a school event. Several representatives of the programme came to tell us about the opportunities it offers. They said that applications were open and if we were interested, we could apply. Several colleagues and I thought it was a very interesting idea. So, we decided to give it a try.”
One of the goals of the YEAs is to make the concepts and values of the European Union more understandable and familiar to the people of the Republic of Moldova. This was the decisive argument that prompted Valeria to join the initiative. She really wanted to learn truthful information about the EU and pass it on to her compatriots. Moreover, with her participation, she sought to combat the prejudices and misconceptions that exist in her society.
From Ozzy campaign to European Parliament model
“I joined the team in November 2023, and already in August 2024 I became a member of the management,” Valeria says. “Before that, I began to stand out, as I actively participated in all events and even organised them myself. I think it was precisely because I showed such initiative that I ended up on the management team. So now my job is to supervise other volunteers and members, propose new ideas for projects and events, support existing ideas, and help colleagues when needed.” Among the events that Valeria has been organising for just over a year now is the Ozzy campaign, a series of interactive trainings on renewable energy for primary school students across Moldova.
“This campaign was, in fact, the first joint project of the of the new YEAs who joined the initiative in 2023. We tried to convey to children the concept of renewable energy and how they can save energy with small actions, day after day, in the most effective and accessible way. This experience taught me a lot, since I was part of the organisational team and was responsible for the successful implementation of this project.”
Valeria also had the opportunity to take part in the organisation of several interesting projects initiated by her colleagues. One of the projects that she really liked was the educational project MiniMEU. During MiniMEU, dozens of students from three schools in Chisinau were able to participate in a simulation of the European Parliament, presenting the work of various factions within the Parliament. This helped the teenagers better understand the European legislative and decision-making process, and the principles of operation of the EU institutions.
There is nothing more fascinating than meeting people from other countries
“Membership of the YEAs allowed me to develop a number of skills, including communication skills. In an organisation of this size, it is important not only to express your opinion, but also to be open to other ideas and listen to them, even if you do not agree with them. It is important to pay attention to the opinions of others. At the same time, I learned to be more tolerant and sensitive. I try to restrain certain emotions that arise in the moment, because, of course, when one organises and manages events, there may be misunderstandings, but it is important to come to a common understanding and resolve the problem peacefully.”
Speaking about the doors that opened for her after joining the initiative, Valeria noted the one that leads to other countries. “Personally, one of the most important opportunities that one gets, is access to international projects. I always wanted to take part in a project that would allow me to travel abroad to talk to young people from other countries about the organisation I am a part of.”
In the autumn of 2024, Valeria got the chance to make her wish come true, thanks to the Forum on the Future of the European Union. The event took place in Madrid, Spain, over three days. “During this period, there were various events which gave me the opportunity to talk about the Young European Ambassadors initiative and try to convince more people to join this initiative. At the same time, I was able to learn useful information about other organisations that exist in the world.”
She returned from Spain with new knowledge and new ideas. Now Valeria is sure that young people from the Republic of Moldova should communicate as much as possible with young people from other countries. “I think it is very important that young people from our country have this opportunity, so that they understand why the Republic of Moldova should become a part of the EU and continue the integration process.”
This forum convinced her that there is nothing more fascinating than meeting people from other countries who can tell about their culture and local traditions. After the experience in Madrid, Valeria especially enjoys participating in other events organised by her YEA colleagues from different parts of the world. “Other volunteers who are not from the Republic of Moldova, but are part of the initiative, organise online events, and we try to support them. A special connection emerged between the people who previously participated in the project we implemented.”
In general, according to Valeria, all the events organised by YEAs are extremely important for the Republic of Moldova, regardless of whether young foreigners participate in them directly or not. “We learn more about the European Union ourselves and then try to bring the information we find to other Moldovans. In addition, I believe that we have a significant impact on young people in the Republic of Moldova, because it’s easier for them accept certain ideas when they come from people of the same age.”
Valeria Lopotenco has shown with her experience that superpowers exist. All we need to do is believe in their existence and develop our own. Have you ever wondered what your superpower is?
Watch this video to learn more about Valeria’s superpower.
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