The education system in a rather large area about 100 km from Moldova’s capital, which is not controlled by the constitutional authorities, is totally different from the system used on the right bank of the Nistru. It actually imitates the Soviet system in miniature. Such a conclusion was reached by Veaceslav Bardan, department head at the Technical University and author of the study “Exploration of benefits and opportunities of the Bologna process for promoting joint projects in education between both banks of the Nistru”, which was made public in a roundtable meeting staged by the Foreign Policy Association, IPN reports.
According to Veaceslav Bardan, given that the education systems in the universities from both banks of the Nistru River are fully different, it is impossible to ensure academic mobility at internal level, not speaking about mobility at international level. Furthermore, the university diplomas issued in Transnistria are not recognized.
In order to improve the situation in this area, the study author proposes taking common actions to combat the stereotypes of teachers in Transnistria, according to which they are not professionals or they are secessionists. These actions may be implemented by public lecturers or experience exchange, discussions on different themes, but not political in character. Scientific articles and research projects may be produced in common.
Veaceslav Bardan considers the Transnistrian students must benefit from mobility scholarships, as those from the right bank. Also, the new Education Code discussed in Parliament should play an important role in bringing the education systems from the two banks of the Nistru closer.
The author said the Romanian language groups at the Tiraspol University “Taras Shevchenko” become smaller and fewer in number. This fact is perceived as assimilation of the once majority population in the region through higher education inclusively. The passivity of the Moldovan authorities in this field contributes to the separation of the two banks of the Nistru, but well planned relations in this sector may bring the two banks closer.
