World Bank will help Moldova implement information technology in education

More than 100 specialists from municipal and district education divisions will be trained to implement information technology and manage data and information as part of the World Bank Quality Education in the Rural Areas of Moldova Project. Last weekend, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Youth handed out graduation certificates to the first group of 47 specialists. Iurie Mocanu, the head of the Education Ministry’s Informatization and Practical Insurance of Education, has told Info-Prim Neo that specialists of different ages successfully completed the courses and passed the exams. The new technologies will be of great use in managing the resources and in strengthening planning and decision making. The courses are taught with the support of the Institute for Public Policy and partners from Romania. The four-year WB Quality Education in the Rural Areas of Moldova Project was launched in July 2006. Its major objectives are to improve teaching and learning in rural schools and to increase access and equity in rural schools. The project includes plans to upgrade curricula, issue new educational materials and textbooks, provide professional training for teachers, and create an advanced student assessment system. Another focus will be on increasing the efficiency and use of public funds allocated to schools. Most of the activities are now under implementation. The total cost of the project is US$10 million, including a US$5.0 million credit under IDA terms and a US$5.0 million grant.