Moldova: new programme to promote quality education for all

In a broad effort to modernise the general education system in the Republic of Moldova, UNICEF and UNDP, with the financial support of the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research, have launched a new programme on ‘Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All’. 

The initiative aims to strengthen the education system and create learning opportunities for all children in a modern and inclusive environment.

Speaking at the launch event, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Janis Mazeiks, underlined the European Union’s support for the development of the education system: “The EU has been a strategic partner for the development of Moldova’s education sector for over a decade. Today more than ever, education and skills are at the heart of the cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova in the European integration path that Moldova has undertaken since the country gained candidate status in 2022.”

With a total budget of €10 million, the project will improve the digital skills of teachers, support the development of digital educational resources, and create the Open Educational Resources Platform. Out of the 35 model schools selected by the Government of Moldova, 10 have been picked by the European Union, UNICEF and UNDP to be renovated and equipped to increase access to quality education for pupils, especially children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

These schools will foster the development of STEEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Arts, Mathematics) skills and will be endowed with school buses, to facilitate the access of students from rural areas. In addition, career orientation activities will be organised to help improve the connection between general education and the labour market.

Additionally, UNICEF will support the Ministry of Education and Research to ensure improved access to education for all children, including the children with special educational needs. 

UNDP will improve the learning environment in 10 selected schools through the renovation of science labs and STEEAM spaces, procurement of school buses, and provision of ICT equipment. Digital educational resources will be developed, while teachers and school managers will be trained to raise their capacities to embark upon the process of e-transformation in education. Finally, UNDP will support strengthening career orientation in schools through fostering stronger connections with the private sector. To improve the overall digital skills of citizens and advance on the digitalization agenda, UNDP will support the development and piloting of the National Programme for Digital Skills for Adults.

Find out more

Press release

Project information