Young people were awarded for their hard work, creativity and initiative. The 100 students chosen by the foundation of Vlad Plahotniuc, "Edelweiss" received diplomas and money after the "Bursaries for 100 students" competition. 

For one year, those 100 young people received monthly 500 lei from "Edelweiss". At the end of the project, graduates fondly remembered the moment when they found out they were selected.

"I was very excited. I was happy and called my family to tell them."

For proving that they wish to succeed, the foundation repaid them.

"I congratulate you for the gained results, for the daily effort you made, for the fact that you are the best. I wish you to know that we were impressed by your creativity, initiative and by your wish to make a change" Edelweiss CEO,  Lidia Cucoş said.

Winners have also received a surprise. The founder of "Edelweiss", Vlad Plahotniuc, came to personally congratulate them. Seven of them even received a special award for finishing high school with top marks.

Vlad Plahotniuc also gave an advice to the young people.

"I urge you to remain in Moldova. If you still must go abroad, to study and gain experience, then I urge you to return! Return to Republic of Moldova because it needs you, talented and dedicated young people and together, we can change Moldova" founder of "Edelweiss", Vlad Plahotniuc declared.

Olesea Panchiv is one of the students with top marks. The young woman from Cimișlia confessed that the support offered by "Edelweiss"made her wish for more from life.

"My experience with Edelweiss is unforgettable, because I gained the chance to meet a lot of wonderful people. Through this project, young people are encouraged to remain in Moldova and only together can we improve the current situation" Olesea Panchiv said.

The bursary winners claim that the project gave them the chance to achieve their dreams.

"It is very important for young people to receive support. Due to this bursary I managed to pay myself some extra English lessons" Ecaterina Gherbovei said.

"This is a strong motivation to build our future home. I wish to thank Edelweiss foundation and those who contributed in realizing our dream" Nicoleta Guţu said.

The national competition "Bursaries for 100 students", meant for twelfth-graders, was launched in June 2017 and aimed to stimulate students in achieving good results. Each young person had to only submit a CV and copies of diplomas from competitions or Olympiads. At the same time, applicants had to write an essay titled "I am my country's future".