There is a need for more Romanian language lessons in schools with instruction in Russian or Ukrainian, said Daria Russu, a representative of the Ukrainian Cultural Association in Moldova "Ptaska," during the public debate "Integration of Ukrainian Refugees – Challenges for Educational and Social Systems," organized by IPN News Agency. According to her, instead of burdening children with 4-5 foreign language subjects, it would be better to focus more on Romanian, IPN reports.

"We want our children, when they finish school in Moldova, to be able to speak Romanian and eventually find a job in Romanian," stated Daria Russu.

She also noted that many Ukrainian refugee children study in parallel: they attend distance learning in their schools in Ukraine while physically attending school in Moldova. This allows them to stay connected with their peers in Ukraine and study in their native language while also leading an active social life and adapting to the country where they have sought refuge.

Russu addressed the distinction between Moldova's Ukrainian ethnic minority and Ukrainians who fled the war. According to her, the cultural or social context is most important.

"We are connected only by the language we speak. What continues to upset us is that many Ukrainians from southern Moldova, for example, are still pro-Russia, even now. It’s the third year of the war, and these people continue to watch Russian news," added Daria Russu.

The public debate on "Integration of Ukrainian Refugees – Challenges for Educational and Social Systems" was organized under the project "IPN News Agency for Social Cohesion and Pro-European Moldova," funded by IMS.