Educational institutions from all over Moldova to hold Decade of National Values

General education institutions across the country will hold the Decade of National Values during the first month of the school year. The programme is dedicated to commemorating 35 years of Moldova’s Independence and aims to familiarize students with the historical context that led to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

According to the Education and Research Ministry (MEC), the Decade of National Values was launched during this year’s edition of the National Teachers’ Forum. The historical milestones underpinning the educational activities include the national liberation movement, the return to the Romanian language and Latin script, the adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty, the establishment of the First Independent Parliament, as well as the events of 1991 that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Decade began in schools with the first lesson, The Independence That Unites Us. The initiative includes a string of scientific, cultural and educational events to be held in all educational institutions of the country. Thus, during September 15-30, 35 forums will be organized in all districts and municipalities of Moldova, serving as platforms for open dialogue between generations.

“The forums organized by the local Education Departments will be attended by historians, experts, members of Moldova’s parliament from its first legislative period, signatories of the Declaration of Independence, teachers, students and witnesses to the historical events that preceded and confirmed the independence of the Republic of Moldova. The Decade also includes two national competitions for all students, scheduled to take place as of September 10 till October 31, 2026,” the MEC emphasized.

The national video contest, Independence Lived – Independence Told, addressed to students in grades VIII–XII, encourages them to research recent history and highlight the testimonies of generations who experienced the events that marked Moldova’s path to independence.

Students in grades I–XII are also invited to participate in the national patriotic song contest, Ode to Independence, either individually or in groups. Through music, they will be able to express their attachment to their country, their identity and their sense of belonging.

Throughout the Decade, educational institutions will receive a list of historical and documentary films recommended for pupils. The screenings will be organized according to each school’s schedule. At the same time, the MEC will provide institutions with wall posters featuring the text of the Declaration of Independence, as well as a set of five book titles, some of which will also be available in Russian.

The Decade of National Values is organized by the MEC in partnership with the Institute of History of the Moldova State University, the Memory Council and the Parliament of Independence Public Association. The initiative continues a series of activities dedicated to values and collective memory: in March, the MEC organized the Decade of Memory and Gratitude, while in May, schools held the Decade of Universal Human Values.