LocationsSafer schools, modern laboratories, and new learning opportunities for thousands of students in the Republic of Moldova
July 1, 2026
Students and teachers from the “Mihai Eminescu” Theoretical High School in Cimișlia participated in consultations regarding the school’s modernization project in December 2024
The modernization of the education system in the Republic of Moldova, supported by development partners and oriented toward the future, is taking shape through concrete investments and solutions tailored to real needs. With funding amounting to nearly US$20 million, provided by the European Union, Norway, and Poland through UNDP Moldova, 15 schools will be transformed into model schools equipped to meet the demands of modern education.
A defining feature of this modernization process is the way the interventions have been designed, starting from the needs of those who study and teach in these institutions. Before renovation works began and equipment was procured, consultations were organized with students and teachers to better understand their needs, ideas, and expectations. Moreover, together with engineers and specialists, they contributed to designing modern, modular learning spaces that move away from the traditional image of classrooms with rows of desks and a fixed teacher’s desk.
As a result, special emphasis has been placed on introducing modular and flexible furniture, allowing spaces to be quickly adapted to different types of activities. A single classroom can thus be transformed, from one lesson to another, into a space for group work, experiments, debates, or interdisciplinary projects, depending on the topic and teaching methods applied.
The entire process is carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Research to ensure that all interventions are aligned with national standards and the overall vision for the development of the education system.
This is why these interventions go beyond simple repairs and technical upgrades. They represent a profound transformation in the way students experience school: modern spaces, digital resources, and real opportunities for hands-on learning. Approximately 11,000 students will benefit from better and more equitable conditions for their educational progress and personal development.
Investments in schools: from infrastructure to modern learning environments
The schools selected for modernization are undergoing different types of renovation. Some are being fully rehabilitated, while others are receiving partial upgrades, depending on the specific needs of each institution. Renovation works have already been completed in nine schools, in other five schools the renovations are ongoing, and in one institution these are yet to begin.
Let’s take them one by one.
With substantial support from Norway, provided through UNDP Moldova, five out of the 15 schools – located in Cantemir, Cimișlia, Telenești, Ungheni, and the village of Mereni (Anenii Noi) – are being fully renovated.
The interventions include:
- major building rehabilitation;
- full modernization of classrooms;
- provision of ergonomic furniture, digital equipment, and modern educational technologies.
Once all works are completed, more than 3,200 students will benefit from modern, safe, and teaching-ready learning conditions.
In another nine schools, the European Union has provided financial support for partial but essential renovations aimed at improving the learning environment.
These works include:
- renovation of classrooms and other spaces covering approximately 3,470 m²;
- modernization of key school areas;
- provision of new furniture and laboratory equipment.
These interventions were carried out in schools located in Dondușeni, Drochia, Briceni, Ocnița, Bălți, Florești, Orhei, Criuleni, and Ceadîr-Lunga, where approximately 7,000 students study. Today, they learn and engage in interactive educational activities in brighter, better-organized spaces. At the same time, modern equipment allows teachers to introduce more dynamic and hands-on learning activities.
At the “Ion Creangă” Theoretical Lyceum in Fălești, changes are yet to come. Between 2026 and 2027, with support from Poland and the European Union, the school building will be fully renovated, and classrooms will be modernized. These interventions will transform the lyceum into a modern and attractive educational institution for both students and teachers.
Through these initiatives, schools are becoming more than functional spaces; they are evolving into safe, attractive, and adaptable environments that support active and collaborative learning.
Modern laboratories: where theory comes to life through experiments
A key pillar of these investments is the development of science education (mathematics, physics, chemistry, arts, and biology). So far, in nine model schools, the following have been created or modernized:
- 26 science laboratories;
- 12 mathematics classrooms.
These are located in educational institutions in Orhei, Briceni, Dondușeni, Bălți, Drochia, Ceadîr-Lunga, Ocnița, Florești, and Criuleni.
The laboratories are equipped with microscopes, wireless sensors, digital technologies, robotics kits, and specialized equipment for testing and demonstrations. This allows students to move beyond theoretical learning to direct experimentation, testing and understanding real-life phenomena.
These facilities are used daily by more than 7,000 students and approximately 490 teachers, providing access to high-performance equipment and modern teaching tools.
At the “Ion Creangă” Theoretical Lyceum in Fălești, where around 640 students study, three science laboratories and one mathematics classroom will also be established.
This joint effort demonstrates that education modernization is not only an external initiative but a shared commitment of entire communities.
School libraries transformed into modern learning centers
Infrastructure modernization has not been limited to classrooms and laboratories. Two educational institutions, in Briceni and Ceadîr-Lunga, have benefited from the complete renovation of their school libraries.
With funds provided by OTP Bank through the “Moldova for Education” campaign, these spaces have been transformed into modern educational centers equipped with contemporary furniture and digital technologies.
Libraries thus become dynamic environments that encourage reading, independent study, and collaboration, contributing to the development of lifelong learning skills.
A transformation measured in confidence and motivation
Beyond figures, budgets, and renovated square meters, the real impact of these investments is reflected in the direct beneficiaries – the students. For them, the changes are not only visible but essential: a modern environment provides greater comfort, safety, and confidence, as well as opportunities to learn through practice, experiment, discover, and better understand what they study.
For teachers, modern conditions mean greater freedom to experiment with new teaching methods and adapt the educational process to students’ needs. For communities, renovated schools become sources of pride and examples worth replicating.
Ultimately, these investments contribute to building a more equitable, attractive, and effective education system. They do not only improve learning conditions; they create real and equal opportunities for every child to access quality education adapted to today’s realities.
