School program might be reviewed

Children's ombudswoman Tamara Plamadeala said the decision makers should intervene immediately and review the school program that is excessively theorized. According to her, the modified school program must meet the real needs of the students and help them adapt to an independent lifestyle. The ombudswoman made the statements during a roundtable meeting themed “Overloaded School Program and its Consequences for Students' Heath,” Info-Prim Neo reports. Tamara Plamadeala said the school program marginalizes the students who have lower abilities. Also, the students learn a lot of theory, but do few physical exercise. “The school timetable is tight and many issues studied are not of interest to the students. The number of students suffering from chronic diseases of the nervous system and eyes is increasing. The children have to study by 12 hours a day and do not have free time,” the ombudsman said. Nadejda Velishko, senior consultant at the Education Ministry's Policy Analysis, Monitoring and Assessment Division, said this is the third request to review the school program. The last modification had a beneficial impact on the students. According to her, debates on the new ideas and proposals for the school programs will be held in January and February 2010. Lilia Oleinic, consultant of the Ministry of Health, said the reports submitted by the local medical institutions show that the number of children suffering from particular diseases is on the rise. For example, in 2008 there were reported 456 cases of chronic diseases per 1 000 students “The learning environment and the food and medical assistance provided at school have the greatest influence on the students,” Oleinic said. Minister of Education Leonid Bujor said the school program will be changed radically. Some of the about 20 school subjects will be removed, while others merged.