Number of Romany children receiving merit scholarships double in Moldova in last two years

The number of Romany students who benefit from merit scholarships has increased from 49 to 94 in the last two years. Figures to this effect have been presented at public consultations organized by the Ministry of Education and Research (MEC). The discussions were focused on the inclusion of Romany children in educational institutions, particularly in lyceums.

The discussions included community mediators, representatives of Romany NGOs, the Agency for Interethnic Relations and development partners, such as United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN Refugee Agency and the UN Office for Human Rights in Moldova.

At the same time, the authorities hope that the one-off financial assistance of 1,000 lei for each pupil of the country from grades I-IX and free meals for pupils in grades I-IX, starting September 1, 2025, will contribute to reducing school dropout and absenteeism.

“These measures are not just a support for all students, but are essential tools for the inclusion of Romany children in the educational system of Moldova,” said Ivan Duminica, head of the policies in the field of interethnic relations service at the MEC.

For their part, representatives of the Romany community expressed their appreciation for the authorities' commitment and their willingness to support Romany parents and families in the process of preventing school dropout. They also emphasized the need for continuous cooperation with state institutions, better communication locally and the active involvement of community mediators in monitoring cases of educational risk, including dropout and absenteeism.

According to data from the Ministry of Education and Research, in the 2024–2025 academic year, 233 Romany children were enrolled in early childhood education institutions (kindergartens), 1,645 Romany pupils in primary and general secondary education (of whom 832 boys and 813 girls), 42 Romany pupils in lyceums, 33 young Romany in vocational education and 20 Romany students in higher education.