Largest kindergarten in Gagauz autonomy modernized with European Union's support: almost 300 children to study in energy-efficient environment

Almost 300 children and dozens of teaching staff now benefit from modern early education conditions, following the completion of renovation and energy efficiency works at Kindergarten No. 8 Andries in the city of Ceadar-Lunga, the largest preschool institution in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia (UTA Gagauzia).

The modernization was carried out under the project, EU4Resilient Moldova: Safe State, Strong Communities, funded by the European Union and implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova. The total value of the works was approximately 6 million lei, of which around 4 million was provided by the European Union.

The works targeted both infrastructure modernization and reducing energy consumption. The building was thermally insulated, the internal heating system was modernized and photovoltaic panels with a capacity of 30 kW were set on the roof. They will enable the use of renewable energy, reduce maintenance costs and lower carbon dioxide emissions.

At the same time, a room meant for storing food products was renovated, and the adjacent territory was fully arranged: alleys and sidewalks were built, access roads were improved and an open-air stage for educational and cultural activities was created.

The deputy mayor of Ceadar-Lunga, Mihail Stamov, said that this was the most extensive renovation ever carried out at this institution.

“We are talking about the largest kindergarten in UTA Gagauzia, with multiple blocks and an extensive territory. Today, we can say that we offer children a warm, safe and welcoming space, thanks to the support of external partners, especially the European Union,” Stamov said.

The kindergarten is attended by 278 children, organized into 13 groups, aged between 1 and 7 years. The institution also includes children with special educational needs, as well as refugee children from Ukraine.

According to the director of the institution, Natalia Cîvîrjic, the study conditions have changed radically.

“Before the renovation we had cold rooms in winter and very high heating costs. Now we have comfort for the children and for the 36 educators, and gas consumption has decreased by approximately 35 per cent, which means significant savings that can be redirected to educational activities,” the head of the kindergarten noted.

The inauguration was also attended by Ambassador of the European Union to Moldova Iwona Piórko, who highlighted the impact of European investments at the local level.

“Investments in education and energy efficiency are investments in the future. Through such projects, the European Union supports not only infrastructure, but also the well-being of children, families and communities,” the ambassador emphasized.

The renovation is part of a broader urban revitalization programme, which includes five projects implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova. The organization’s director, Tomasz Horbowski, noted that these initiatives showed the direct effect of well-targeted investments on the quality of life in communities.

The total budget of the projects funded by the European Union exceeds 17 million lei, with similar investments made in the cities of Rascani, Nisporeni, Hancesti, and Cimislia.

The modernization of the kindergarten in Ceadar-Lunga is considered an example of educational infrastructure adapted to European standards, combining modern learning conditions with energy efficiency and environmental protection solutions.