Pupils from 35 schools of Moldova to enhance financial education knowledge; initiative draws 2 million lei investment

Pupils from 35 educational institutions of the Model Schools network will be able to enhance their financial education knowledge, thanks to a 2-million-lei-worth investment. The non-reimbursable financing tripartite contract concluded for this purpose between Moldova Agroindbank (MAIB), the Ministry of Education and Research, and Junior Achievement Moldova public association was signed in Chisinau today.

At the contract signing event, Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun, said that the initiative would allow for a new generation to be better prepared in terms of financial education.

‘’Together with MAIB, we will have this nice project dedicated to the 35 model schools on the financial education dimension. It is one of the most frequently heard requests from students. Many of them want to gain more information and competencies in the area of financial education through our curriculum and school experience. With MAIB's support, this will become possible in 35 educational institutions. I believe that about 35,000 children study at these schools. I am fully confident that students will have an extraordinary experience and we will have a generation better educated and more literate on the financial education dimension,’’ the minister said.

As part of the project, all branches of the banking institution in the localities where the beneficiary schools operate will open their doors for the young people who will study this subject and participate in the project's activities. MAIB president Giorgi Shagidze welcomed the implementation of the initiative, highlighting the role of schools in shaping a young generation prepared for the increasingly significant changes in society.

The executive director of Junior Achievement Moldova public association, Laurentia Filipschi, said that the project's impact would be significant, contributing to strengthening the efforts of teaching staff in providing opportunities for young people to develop life skills, gain unique experiences and form as personalities.

‘’A partnership between authorities, civil society and the entrepreneurial environment is always necessary when we talk about economic and financial education. Our teachers and students cannot improve these skills without this contribution, and it's important to have not just the financial part, but also the methodological part,’’ noted Laurentia Filipschi.

The Model Schools network is a strategic programme of the Ministry of Education and Research, launched in 2023, aiming to transform selected schools into true examples of good practice – both in infrastructure and modern teaching methods. The initiative is supported by the World Bank, the European Union, the Government of Poland, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and private companies.