On 10th – 11th of September, Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) was visited by children who study at the local school of Giurgiulesti village.
The administration of the port decided to invite school children in order to offer them the possibility to see that “mysterious” facility ehind high walls which they see every day, passing it by on the way to the school.
Before children’s visit, the administration of the port visited the local school in order to make an introductory presentation of the port. The children demonstrated a great interest towards GIFP.
The most popular questions asked were related to the future employment, the possible construction of a hospital in the region, capacity of Moldovan fleet and businesses that will be located within the free economic zone.
Many of GIFP’s workers were very happy to hear about the childrens’ visit, because some of them have their son or daughter studying in Giurgiulesti school, others – their nephews or cousins. From the early morning, there was a special atmosphere in the port: some were dealing with additional security measures, others – with the preparation of sweet treats; and some – with sorting of gifts for little visitors.
At the established time, in front of the port appeared a group of 120 children from the elementary school, all lined up in a long row. When they were asked if they know where they came, all in unison responded “To the TERMINAL!”.
The director of the port, Mr. Edgar Martin, made a small tour around the port. Finally, children saw with their eyes and heard with their ears what is happening inside the port. After this, our visitors were invited to the canteen where a table full of sweets was waiting for them. They also participated in the “Question-Answer” game, where they were asked questions regarding the port. The most quick and attentive ones received special gifts.
Later that day, GIFP was visited by children from junior and senior high. Their total number was 500.
At the end of the visit, the mystery was revealed and children left back to their homes happy because they finally found out why their village is so famous and maybe just a little bit disappointed … because they did not see any dragons or secret castles, but instead — highly modern technologies, equipment and facilities. Taking into consideration many questions regarding employment, we hope that this visit contributed to the creation of a new generation of experts in such fields as navigation, oil industry, infrastructure development, and many other areas necessary for the port and Republic of Moldova in general.
