In educational establishments of Chisinau municipality there are over 9200 teachers, but almost 700 positions remain vacant. There are also 332 vacancies for non-teaching and auxiliary staff. In addition to the lack of teachers and educators, the outdated infrastructure of educational buildings, which in some schools is used in proportion of less than 25%, continue to be an issue. Data were presented at the Forum of Teachers from Chisinau municipality, conducted by the Directorate-General for Education, Youth and Sports, IPN reports.
Attending the event, the Minister of Education, Culture and Research, Liliana Nicolaescu-Onofrei, said that one of the main goals was to depoliticize education, in order to be effective, and to offer equal opportunities to all. According to the minister, every citizen has the right to political choice, but promotions must take place based on knowledge and professionalism. "Addressing the students and parents, I want to urge you to take responsibility, because the school achievement or our success is not about competition, it does not mean comparing the high schools (who and how passed the baccalaureate exam), it means evaluating progress," the minister noted.
Head of DGETS, Rodica Guțu, mentioned that the forum of educators was preceded by 140 trainings meant to promote accomplishments on the education segment, but also the educator’s image. During the presentation of activity report, Rodica Guțu specified that for the maintenance of the education system in the municipality in 2019, over two billion lei were allocated. Although the amount seems impressive, only 15.6% is destined for infrastructure development, methodological and technical-material resources.
"The list of impediments to ensuring working conditions of educational establishments includes the increased degree of wear of educational buildings put into operation during the years 50-60. Given the meagre funds, it is difficult to develop a strategic overhaul plan, which would allow the expertise of all buildings,” Rodica Guțu noted.
In other news, Rodica Guțu mentioned that, in order to meet the demand of parents regarding the provision of places in early childhood education establishments, 115 groups have been reopened, with 2800 places. At the same time, out of 27 kindergartens leased in the 90's, up to 18 have been given back. Rodica Guțu also said that, while early education institutions are overcrowded, 73 out of 132 primary and secondary education institutions use educational space below 50% of project capacity. Thus, it annually registers a negative balance of about 25 million lei.
A critical situation is found in nine institutions, which use up to 25% of space.
