A number of 50 students and master’s degree applicants from 12 national universities received scholarships of 12,000 lei each at the 23rd edition of the Merit Scholarships contest. The winners had to prove they are the best in terms of academic standing, extracurricular involvement and that they have inspiration, IPN reports.
Educational Advising Center director Angela Mușet said this year the students could choose one of four themes at the written test – essay. The themes were diverse so that they could cover more areas. Besides the essay, the candidates had to fill out an application form, to present letters of recommendation, scientific articles and publications and evidence of involvement in extracurricular activities. As a result, the commission of experts selected 50 best students of 221 aspirants.
Secretary of state at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research Elena Belei said such contests encourages academic excellence and are simultaneously an excellent opportunity offered to students. “You are the best. By daily work, tenacity and competitive spirit, you show that success can be achieved here, at home, in the Republic of Moldova. I wish you to be as determined, full of energy and enthusiasm and to contribute to building a nice future for our country,” stated the official.
Scholar Iulian Criminceanu said that as a historian, he impressed the jury with his essay on the historical theme “Moldova in the past, present and future” that centered on the period between the first documentary attestation of Moldova and present. His noted he spent his scholarship on 100 historical books for his personal library.
Scholar Lucia Stegărescu stated many unslept nights, a lot of projects and participation in different activities during the years of study are behind these scholarships. She would like to spend the money on a vacation so as to remember that her work was awarded.
Student Andrei Secu said this event is about effort, progress and results. In his activity, he met with challenges and opportunities, but never thought to stop becoming involved in social projects. The scholarship is a motivation to continue at the same pace.
During the 23 editions of the program, over 5,700 students took part in the contest and 1,500 of them received Merit Scholarships.
The Merit Scholarships contest was launched in 1996 on the initiative of Soros Foundation Moldova to encourage academic, scientific and extracurricular performance of students in Moldova. The program of scholarships is supported financially by Moldova Agroindbank and Orange Moldova. The partners of the event are the National Association of Young Historians of Moldova and the advertising agency Kim Art, while the media partners are the weekly “Săptămîna”, the national paper “Timpul”, the paper “Ziarul de Gardă” and IPN News Agency.
