Norway and UNDP Moldova will renovate five of the 35 educational institutions that are part of the Model Schools Network in the Republic of Moldova. The investments are part of “Transforming education in Moldova through Model Schools” project, in amount of US$18,920,667, to be implemented during 2024-2028.

With support of the project, the buildings will be refurbished, the institutions being endowed with modern school equipment and furniture. The improved conditions will benefit thousands of children from the district centres as well as those who come to these institutions from neighbouring localities. UNDP and Norway will support training of teachers and revision of the curriculum and educational content taught in schools. 

All these will help the schools to become true models in terms of infrastructure and equipment, but also in terms of teaching and learning practices. Future reconstruction projects will be widely consulted in public discussions with students, teachers and parents. 

"We continue to invest in the quality of education and ensuring equal access to education for all children. Model schools must become poles of attraction in particular for children who now study in institutions with very small numbers of pupils. We will invest in the infrastructure of these institutions so that the educational process is organized to the highest standards. But what matters most are the investments in teachers, in the way the processes are organized in the institution, in teaching materials and many other aspects that transform a school community into a high-performing one," said Dan Perciun, Minister of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova.

“Norway is proud to partner with UNDP and other actors to promote quality education in Moldova. We are happy to support the Ministry of Education and Research in its plans to modernize the learning environment, revise curricula and improve teacher education. Education is key to success for individuals as well as for societies and for democratic development. We look forward to following this project as it evolves and hope it will help Moldova create a better future for its young generation,” said Kamilla H. Kolshus, Head of the Norwegian Embassy Office to the Republic of Moldova. 

“I am delighted that Norway is joining UNDP and partners' efforts to improve the quality of education in Moldova, by supporting the Model Schools reform. A model school means accessible and modern infrastructure, well organized, inclusive and democratic management of the institution, as well as excellent teaching, with a focus on the development of skills and competencies of each individual student through improved curricula. Over time, these changes are expected to deliver on better learning outcomes which expand opportunities for all girls and boys throughout the country to choose professional careers they desire,” said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

The five beneficiary schools will undergo a comprehensive makeover so as to become accessible and to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for students and teachers. Classrooms will be equipped with computers, interactive whiteboards and other educational devices. High performance equipment for physics, chemistry and biology laboratories (sensors, digital measuring devices, etc.) will replace morally and physically obsolete devices. 

Upgrades will also be made to the exterior of the buildings - sports facilities, sidewalks, school courtyards and lighting systems, etc. In addition, schools will receive new furniture, designed to be flexible and comfortable, to allow teachers to easily change classroom layouts and use active learning and group work methods. 

It's not just the learning environment that will change. Teaching methods will also be improved. Teachers in the five schools will receive training and professional development courses to develop their pedagogical skills and adapt teaching methods to make them interactive and inclusive. 

The project will support the Ministry of Education and Research in the process of curriculum development and empowering schools in decision-making. Thus, the project will assist in assessing and revising the national curriculum and related documents to ensure interdisciplinarity, inclusion, equal opportunities and other relevant components. To ensure the implementation of the new curriculum documents, teachers will be trained, and lesson plans and other educational materials will be developed. Local educational governance, school management and the autonomy of educational institutions will be enhanced. 

The Model Schools Network is a project of the Ministry of Education and Research. The authorities have chosen 35 schools, which will be turned into models in terms of both infrastructure and teaching methods. The initiative is supported as well by the World Bank, the EU, UNDP, UNICEF, Government of Poland and other international organizations. The project is also supported by several private companies, which have joined the initiative.