Where Handball and Empowerment Meet

According to the World Bank, Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe. Aware of the needs in this doTERRA Cilantro, Coriander, Clary Sage, and Fennel farming and distillation area, doTERRA Europe worked with doTERRA Healing Hands® in 2021 to fix up a football (soccer) field. They also provided streetlights for the community, enabling kids to walk home from school in the winter with lights. This opened the door for additional impact opportunities in the area.

In 2023, the doTERRA Europe Market worked with doTERRA Healing Hands to do even more in this community by sponsoring the Girls’ Handball team. Through handball, the girls improved their athleticism while building friendships and developing important character traits. Perhaps more important is that handball provides an opportunity for girls to engage in a sport. While soccer is very popular for boys and receives more attention and support, handball has become the sport for primarily girls to engage in. The program empowers as many children as possible to participate in a sport, promotes a healthy lifestyle among participants, and encourages family and community involvement in handball events.

On March 21-24, 2024, the sponsored handball team participated in the final stages of the Republic of Moldova in Junior Handball Championship 2010-2011. The event was an impressive show of skill, showcasing the growth and prowess of the girls who were empowered through this effort. After months of practicing and impressive performance during the game itself, the girls won third place, bringing home the bronze medal! Thanks to doTERRA Europe’s support, the team was able to participate in the event, allowing them the opportunity to compete.