The transformation of the education system witnessed in the Republic of Moldova in recent years is due to investments from strategic donors, and the “Class of the Future” project, which started in 2017 and within which learning spaces outfitted with furniture and digital equipment were arranged, and also other European initiatives that contribute to the modernization and improvement of the quality of education in Romania are an eloquent example. This is achieved through innovative approaches, by integrating technology and interactive methods into the teaching process, preparing students and teachers for the challenges of the future, Olga Balmus, manager of the “Class of the Future in Your School”program, a physics teacher at “Petre Ştefănucă” Theoretical High School of Ialoveni, stated in a public debate hosted by IPN News Agency.
Olga Balmuș noted that, benefiting from European projects, the educational institutions in the Republic of Moldova increase their policies to stimulate teachers and create a stimulating work climate in order to facilitate the individual development of each beneficiary of the educational system so that they give sense to their confidence and aspirations, both personally and professionally. “At the moment, the Class of the Future Project gathers under its umbrella 123 schools from all over the country and we are not only talking about large or super-equipped schools, but also about schools that do not have access to digital technologies. The goal of the development partners, the Great Britain, Sweden, or USAID, is to invest in the technological process and develop digital skills in teachers from all over the country,” said Olga Balmus.
The advantages of European projects brought through various programs, such as the “Classroom of the Future” is that both teachers and students develop their experimental skills and represent a hub that contributes to the development of teachers’ digital skills. Respectively, it is an investment in supporting teachers in this direction.
“Educational diversification and technologization are innovations for the system of the Republic of Moldova. Thus, our curricula are adapted to the European standards. Thanks to our European partners, in our center we organize training seminars for teachers, practical workshops on the use of equipment. Our programs are accredited by ANACEC. We have the largest technological laboratory with over 50 technologies and the students, but also the teachers in the country do not just come to look at them, but we involve them in activities that they really test,” said Olga Balmus.
According to the teacher, the digital literacy of teachers in the Republic of Moldova is a project supported by the development partners. Thus, the “Class of the Future” not only revolutionizes teaching and learning methods, but also promotes an integrated approach, which includes interactive technology and methods, thus preparing students and teachers for the challenges of the future. “The European projects, as a whole, support this transition, contributing to the development of skills of both students and teachers, facilitating the outfitting of educational institutions and building sustainable partnerships. Thus, in 2020, we embraced over 21,000 teachers. A year later, 10,500 preschool teachers were taught to develop their digital skills. In 2023, around 5,000 teachers benefited from the development of digital skills at the intermediate and advanced levels,” stated Olga Balmuș.
She believes that only through European investments, the educational system of the Republic of Moldova will be a strong and attractive one.
“The European projects for the education system are very important. At a time when we all want specialists in all fields, we must understand that the training of specialists starts in kindergartens, continues in schools and universities. Thus, if we invest in these institutions and provide them with everything they need so that they align with all European standards, we will certainly have very good results in the future,” concluded Olga Balmuș.
The public debate entitled “Educational bridges between Romania and the Republic of Moldova” was the 15th installment of the project “Double integration through cooperation and information. Continuity”, funded by the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova. The content of this debate does not represent the official position of the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova.
