Romanian-language educational institutions in the Transnistrian region continued to be the target of illegal actions by Transnistrian authorities throughout last year. The Promo-LEX Association, which has been monitoring the situation of the eight schools, highlights issues such as a significant increase in utility tariffs compared to those applied to schools under Tiraspol’s control, IPN reports.
Experts warn that abusive actions include smear campaigns in Tiraspol-controlled media, portraying Romanian-language schools as a potential threat. Teachers from these schools face threats at illegal checkpoints, while parents are intimidated and pressured to transfer their children to Tiraspol-controlled schools.
Additionally, authorities on the left bank of the Nistru River request lists of students to register them for military service in paramilitary structures. Other abuses include the refusal to issue operating permits and quantitative restrictions on the transportation of goods.
At the same time, according to Promo-LEX, structural issues related to educational infrastructure remain largely unresolved. The lack of modern and spacious transport options, inadequate conditions for conducting the educational process, and insufficient financial resources for expanding and reconfiguring school spaces pose growing challenges, especially as student numbers continue to rise.
Over the past four years, the number of students in the eight Romanian-language schools has shown a slight but steady increase. The geographical diversity of students' origins is also expanding. Compared to the 2023-2024 school year, the number of students has increased by 123. At Roghi Gymnasium alone, student enrollment has risen by 20%. While in the 2022-2023 school year, the gymnasium only had students from the local community, it now also enrolls children from the villages of Tabuleuca, Corjova, and the town of Dubasari.
While enrollment in Romanian-language schools grows by an average of 5% annually, half of the 158 schools under Transnistrian control are experiencing a severe decline in student numbers.
Experts from Promo-LEX attribute the rise in student numbers in schools under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Research to a growing interest among Russian-speaking families in Romanian-language education. One key reason is the recognition of diplomas, which facilitates access to university studies on the right bank of the Nistru River or in EU member states.
