Representatives of the Political Party “Platform Dignity and Truth” (PPPFA) consider the situation in education and research is critical. These say there is no clear policy to ensure the quality of studies, the educational contents are often irrelevant for the labor market, while the spending is inefficient. In a statement presented in a news conference at IPN, the PPPDA says complex conceptual, structural and financial reforms as regards the training of specialists for the country’s economy are required.
“During the independence years of the Republic of Moldova, the state care for the development of education and research has diminished and this led to serious system problems,” university lecturer Sergiu Cataranciuc said, reading the statement. The teacher mentioned among the problems the low salaries in the system, which generated deficiencies related to the quality of studies. Despite the serious situation in the field, the excessive politicization of education institutions continues. Particular ruling parties used these as targets for propagandistic approaches during the last eight years.
Teacher Ala Tascu said the number of students decreased and there is a risk that education institutions will be closed. The curriculum should be adjusted to the new challenges. Also, conditions should be created for those who went abroad to return home to study.
Teacher Aurelia Turcanu noted that the schools face many problems. One of them is the lack of teachers, especially young ones. The low salaries in the system are the main cause. The educational programs are too difficult to be implemented appropriately, especially in classes with many students. Changes are needed to attract young people to this sector. “We cannot speak about a prosperous future when the schools are without teachers, while the families are without parents,” said the teacher.
PPPDA deputy chairman Alexandru Slusari said the teachers asked for a 50% rise in salaries, but the authorities promised a rise of at most 10%. The theft of money from the banking system impoverished the population and affected the teachers as well.
Deputy chairman Kirill Motpan stated the education and research systems were brought to their knees. The previous and current governments pay insufficient attention to these areas. But a country without trained teachers and students does not have a future.
The signatories of the statement consider an efficient teacher training system should be worked out by consolidating the institutions that train teachers. It is also necessary to promote the mobility of teachers for gaining international experience that can be implemented in Moldova. A system for motivating the teaching staff and for increasing the prestige of the profession of teachers is also required.
