Comrat State University celebrates 35 years since founding

Preserving the Gagauz language and culture is a shared priority. When a people lose the language, they lose the historical reference point, the unity and the continuity between generations. It is very important that Gagauz language teachers are being trained at Comrat State University. They will teach in schools and will help children learn not only vocabulary, spelling and grammar, but also pass on a sense of belonging to the community. 

President Maia Sandu conveyed the message at a ceremony marking the 35th anniversary of the founding of the higher education institution.

The head of state said that Comrat State University is one of the pillars on which the autonomy rests.

“The institution has constantly developed, has modernized over the years, and has provided entire generations of graduates of whom the Republic of Moldova is proud. Behind these results stand people. These are the teaching staff who, year after year, pass on knowledge and maintain the link between generations. These are the students who acquire an education, give life to the university, and then work in the fields in which they were trained here,” Maia Sandu noted.

The official emphasized that one of the main priorities of the university and of the entire autonomy must be the preservation of the Gagauz language and culture.

“Sometimes we must speak not only about achievements, but also about responsibility. When a people lose their language, they lose their historical reference point, their unity, and the continuity between generations. If the language is not spoken, if it does not live, the entire ethnic group falls silent and, in the end, disappears. Of course, it is natural to expect support in this regard from the central authorities. This openness exists and will continue to exist. However, a language does not live through administrative decisions, even when they are necessary and useful. A language lives through those who use it – through the people who speak it in everyday life, on the street, in the shop, at the library, in the family, among friends, or at the university. It is very important that teachers of the Gagauz language are trained precisely here. They will teach in schools, they will help children learn not only vocabulary, spelling, and grammar, but will also convey a sense of belonging to the community. That is why maximum efforts must first be made here to strengthen the role of the language. More effective programs, well-prepared staff, and extensive academic and cultural activities are needed,” Maia Sandu stressed.

The President stated that only through their mother tongue can a people tell their history, and this heritage must be carefully preserved.

“Your ancestors came to this land with the hope of preserving their identity, of living according to their traditions and passing them on to their children. Only in the mother tongue and through it is the heritage of past generations preserved – all the joys and sorrows of the people, the faith and the hope that what has been created will continue to live. This heritage must be carefully preserved not only at the university, but also by responsible people in the local authorities who clearly understand the essence of Gagauz autonomy and its true purpose. The future does not appear by itself. It is built through dialogue, cooperation, and trust, in an honest way. Educational institutions are the places where these values are learned day by day. I wish Comrat State University continuous development, the teachers – support and respect, and the students – success. May everything that is created here be a contribution to the development of Gagauzia and of the entire Republic of Moldova. I wish you success and determination in achieving these objectives,” Maia Sandu said.

Comrat State University was founded on 11 February 1991. The educational institution offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in several specialties.