Investments worth 13.5 billion lei planned in next five years in education system of Moldova: benefits for students, teachers

Investments worth 13.5 billion lei in the next five years are planned for the country’s education system, from nurseries to universities, as provided for in the implementation program of the Education 2030 Strategy. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan today made statements to this effect while presenting the government’s activity report for its first 100 days in office.

The official said that recent months had brought important results for the education sector, with more than 50 million euros allocated for the renovation and equipping of 20 model schools, students’ scholarships increased by 40 percent and 57 school minibuses were purchased, worth 67.22 million lei, for 30 districts, municipalities, and the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia.

At the same time, investments of 80 million euros have been launched in 25 vocational schools, colleges and centers of excellence. A total of 47 buildings—24 educational buildings and 23 dormitories—will be renovated for more than 21,000 students, representing 40 per cent of all students enrolled in vocational education.

“We are investing 80 million euros in 25 vocational education institutions attended by approximately 40 per cent of the students in this system. And regarding the question of where the welders, mechanics and engineers we so urgently need are, we finally have a concrete solution, because this country will be changed not only by lawyers and economists, but also by the welders, mechanics, and engineers we need so much,” Vasile Tofan stated.

At the same time, the authorities have increased allowances for young teachers in vocational and higher education, reaching up to 375,000 lei in colleges and 200,000 lei in universities. An allowance of 200,000 lei was also introduced, for the first time, for teachers who move to the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia and Taraclia district to teach the Romanian language.

In addition, 468 young specialists were assigned to schools and kindergartens, the highest number recorded to date.

The government’s first 100 days also marked the launch of the Restart in Education reform, which provides for schools to come under the authority of the Education Ministry, in order to ensure equal standards and conditions in education across all educational institutions, regardless of the locality in which they operate.