Gagauz language in spotlight: Moldovan Education Ministry initiates development programme in schools, kindergartens

The Education and Research Ministry (MEC) has begun drafting a national plan for the promotion and development of the Gagauz language in the Autonomous Territorial Unit (UTA) Gagauzia. Initial discussions took place in Comrat, bringing together authorities, educators and experts.

To coordinate the process, MEC has created an interinstitutional working group, which includes specialists in education, culture and research, along with representatives of development partners. The group will develop concrete measures to support the teaching and learning of the Gagauz language in schools and universities.

The working meeting was attended by representatives of MEC, the General Directorate of Education of UTA Gagauzia, Comrat State University, educational and research institutions, as well as experts both of Moldova and from abroad.

The plan's priorities include updating the school curriculum, continuous training for teachers, using modern educational materials and engaging the local community in promoting the mother tongue.

Ivan Duminica, head of the MEC's Service for Policies in the Field of Interethnic Relations and coordinator of the working group, said that the document would be practical and tailored to the real needs of UTA Gagauzia.

"In the first phase, an action plan for the years 2026–2027 will be piloted, followed by the development of a comprehensive national programme for the development of the Gagauz language in the autonomous region."

Presently, the Gagauz language is taught in 44 schools of the autonomous region, being studied by over 12,000 pupils. At the same time, in 56 kindergartens, almost 5,000 children participate in educational activities in the Gagauz language, supported by over 70 teachers.