Some businesses are born out of passion, others out of necessity. For Mihail Gavrilenco, both reasons played a role. While searching for well-equipped playgrounds for his children, he realised that there were very few options in his hometown. This inspired him to create a place where children of different ages could play, learn and spend time together. That is how KidsLand, a modern playroom for children, was born in Tighina (Bender).
Setting up the children’s centre required a significant financial investment. Although Mihail contributed his own savings, the funds were not enough to complete the project and equip the space properly.
In the autumn of 2024, Mihail took part in a competition for entrepreneurs from both banks of the Nistru River. His idea received support from the European Union under its EU4Business initiative, through the EU Confidence Building Measures Programme implemented by the United Nations Development Programme.
The support included financial assistance and mentoring to help launch the business.
“If we hadn’t had this funding, we probably wouldn’t have opened it, because the investments are quite large. The support from the European Union allowed us to open a playroom for children,” says Mihail.
Today, the KidsLand centre offers a modern playground, a room with interactive games and a dedicated space for creativity where children can draw, build and explore their imagination.
“I really like this place — there are many interesting rooms where children can play,” says Anastasia, who is visiting the playroom for the third time with her daughter. “Parents can take care of their tasks while the children enjoy themselves here. Everything is very nice and the location is convenient for us.”
According to Sofia, one of the employees at the KidsLand centre, the space was designed to offer children a variety of activities.
“We have trampolines, slides, a dry pool with balls, as well as building blocks and colouring books. Children come here especially during the summer holidays. They play, colour, do puzzles and have fun. Parents can leave their children with us, and we take care of them while they play,” she explains.
The interactive children’s playroom in Tighina (Bender) is one of 20 businesses launched or developed in 2024 with support from the European Union through its EU4Business initiative, implemented via the EU Confidence Building Measures Programme by UNDP.
In total, more than €529,000 has been invested to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises on both banks of the Nistru River.
Supporting young entrepreneurs and the business environment is part of a broader effort by the European Union and UNDP to promote economic development, create opportunities and build confidence between communities on both banks of the river.
Since 2014, the EU Confidence Building Measures Programme implemented by UNDP has supported the development and competitiveness of more than 70 small and medium-sized enterprises across the region.
