Moldova is one of the former Soviet countries that achieved the best results in ensuring access to early education services. According to a study carried out by UNICEF in six countries, the access to early education in Moldova has doubled from 2002 to 84%, IPN reports.
UNICEF Representative in Moldova Nune Mangasaryan congratulated the Government of Moldova on these results, saying particular problems persist and should be solved, such as the discrepancy in access to education in rural and urban areas. More than one fourth of the children of preschool age in villages do not have access to quality early education, compared with the universal access in towns. Difficulties in including the children into the education system are mainly encountered by families with many children, from socially deprived groups, and by families of some ethnic minorities.
“Early education of children is irreversible and, if we lose this education element, the child will not manage to achieve results at an advanced age. We must do everything possible to realize the potential of the children aged between 0 and 6,” stated the UNICEF Representative.
According to the study, Moldova is a model in terms of implementation of innovations, such as mentoring, which involves offering of support to educators at the workplace, so that the methods of working with children become friendlier and meet their needs. The authors of the study recommended implementing equitable policies that would ensure equal access to early education services, improving the early education programs, training specialists and working out financial policies in accordance with the needs of children, especially the vulnerable ones.
The Government of Romania invested €23 million in the repair and modernization of 700 nursery schools in Moldova. Attending the event, Romania’s Ambassador in Chisinau Marius Lazurca said each invested euro is useful because the children’s future depends on a favorable education environment. He also reminded about the 100 minibuses provided to schools, noting that the Romanian authorities will continue to help Moldova modernize its education system so that it meets the needs of children.
