The number of students admitted to schools in the municipality of Chisinau has increased. Over 102,000 students were registered at municipal educational institutions at the beginning of the current school year, up 3,000 on last year, said deputy mayor of Chisinau Angela Kutasevich. The official noted that the higher number of students requires a higher number of teaching staff. The municipal authorities come with support programs for young teachers to motivate them to work in educational institutions in Chisinau, IPN reports.

According to the deputy mayor, as the number children in preschools and schools in the municipality of Chisinau has grown, the school and preschool infrastructure needs to be extended.

“Statistics regarding the number of children are gladdening as we have an increase in the number of children which has persisted for a period. This year, we have over 102,000 students, as opposed to more than 99,000 students last year. An increase in the number of employees in the municipal system is also witnessed. For example, at present we have 10,534 teachers working in the system, as against 10,245 teachers last year. So, we have an increase of about 300 teachers. This is an evdient growth as the school network is also extended, but this does not fully satisfy the need for additonal teaching staff,” Angela Kutasevich stated in the program “Reflection Points” on Vocea Basarabiei stations.

According to her, even if the number of teachers in educational institutions in Chisinau has grown, there is nevertheless a shortage of teachers and this shortage is nationwide. Also, teaching staff grows older and this phenomenon will become more conspicuous in several years.

“In general, there is a risk the problem of aging of employees from the system will become worse. I think in about five years, we will feel this aging of employees as many of them are aged 50 and older. The average age for now is 47. Through the municipal program, we cover, for example, the rental for accommodation with 2,000 lei a month. We also offer the young people, if necessary, other types of programs for them to benefit from support,” said the deputy mayor.

The municipal education system includes over 17,000 teachers, non-teaching and ancillary staff. In total, there are 330 preschool, primary and secondary schools and lyceums in the municipality.