School uniforms are not compulsory for the educational institutions of the Republic of Moldova. However, the uniforms may be introduced in schools according to internal regulations. Educational authorities say the wearing of uniform should be introduced only after consulting parents, pupils and in no case imposed.
Daniela Vacarciuc, director of “Vasile Alecsandri” lyceum, mentions that the institution led by her is a classical type high school, including the X-XII classes. Usually, children at this age want to show their individuality. “ As a manager, I admit that I would like to see a uniform which would represent the school emblem, undoubtedly, but we cannot allow this for several reasons. First of all, for financial reasons”, Daniela Vacarciuc told IPN.
The Lyceum Director specified that the admission of children to the institution takes place in July when many parents have already purchased the necessary clothes for the school year . “I cannot ask parents to spend more. There are also children who come from rural areas and have to pay rent for the apartment, manuals and transport. Unfortunately, the state doesn’t ensure these things as in the Western countries where high school students have the right to free of charge transport”, the director explained.
Daniela Vacarciuc mentioned that the lyceum administration tries to implement a dress code – white top and black bottom. But this practice isn’t always successful. The Director also maintains that it is fashionable to have uniforms for teachers but she would admit this only for holidays. “If I don’t like it, I can’t ask children to do it”, Daniela Vacarciuc says.
Education, Culture and Research Ministry maintains that school uniforms are not mandatory. Natalia Grîu, senior consultant at the General Education Directorate told IPN that after a series of public consultations held one year ago a circular letter was issued with some recommendations concerning students’ outfit, namely that uniform can be introduced in an institution only after public discussions with the educational community– teachers, parents, children etc. The letter also mentions that directors, professors are not entitled to request the mandatory wearing of uniform, to intimidate or discriminate children according to this criterion.
The Ministry has no statistical data on the number of educational establishments that opted for a uniform.
Over 80 percent of respondents, within the framework of a survey submitted last year by the Ministry of Education, were willing to introduce school uniforms, as a way to reduce social differences between students and to help maintain the discipline level in schools.
