With the financial support from the European Union, students in nine model schools in the Republic of Moldova will study physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics in fully modernised laboratories. Approximately 7,000 students and 490 teachers and school administrators will benefit directly from the improved learning conditions, using the new spaces to better adapt teaching to students’ needs and learning pace. A total of 38 STEAM labs and mathematics classrooms have been renovated and equipped across the nine schools. 

The initiative is part of the project “Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All”, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF. Each school received investments of over €150,000, covering renovation works, new furniture and modern laboratory equipment. 

The laboratories are equipped with modern flexible furniture; scientific instruments; microscopes; wireless sensors; document cameras; and robotics kits. Each model school has received PASCO sensor kits which allow students to collect and analyse real data related to physics, chemistry and biology – from measuring oxygen concentration to studying light and electrical conductivity. 

The new equipment supports the transition from purely theoretical learning to learning through practical, hands-on experiments. Students can conduct high-precision experiments, use sensors to measure temperature, pressure, light, and motion, observe biological and chemical processes under a microscope, work on STEAM projects, and incorporate robotics into lessons with Arduino and Ozobot kits. 

The following schools will benefit from these investments: 

• “Alexei Mateevici” High School in Dondușeni – three laboratories and a mathematics classroom; 
• “Mihai Eminescu” High School in Drochia – two science laboratories and two mathematics classrooms; 
• “Grigore Vieru” High School in Briceni – three science laboratories and three math classrooms; 
• “Mihail Sadoveanu” High School in Ocnița – three science laboratories and a mathematics classroom; 
• “Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu” High School in Bălți – three science laboratories; 
• “Miron Costin” High School in Florești – three science laboratories and a mathematics classroom; 
• “Onisifor Ghibu” High School in Orhei – three science laboratories; 
• “Boris Dînga” High School in Criuleni – three science laboratories and two mathematics classrooms; 
• “Mihail Ceachir” High School in Ceadîr-Lunga – three science laboratories and two mathematics classrooms. 

Ionela Cotorcea, a 10th grade student at Alexei Mateevici High School in Dondușeni, says: "The new laboratories have completely changed the way we learn. It's no longer just theory from textbooks, but experiments, observations, and things we understand much better. Classes have become more interesting, and I feel that I am learning with more confidence in myself and my future."

Her classmate, Alexandra Bîcu, a 11th grader, reports: "The laboratories are bright, modern, and well-equipped, which motivates us to come to class with more interest. I am impressed by the modern and flexible furniture, which can be adapted to different types of activities. But also, by the latest technology: microscopes, laboratory equipment, interactive panels, and robotics kits." 

The “Ion Creangă” Theoretical High School in Fălești, with 639 students, will also benefit from the renovation of three science laboratories and a mathematics classroom.

At the same time, the school libraries of “Grigore Vieru” High School in Briceni and “Mihail Ceachir” High School in Ceadîr-Lunga, have been renovated and redesigned. UNDP Moldova and OTP Bank supported their modernisation, which was carried out as part of the “Moldova for Education” partnership. This partnership was launched by the Ministry of Education and Research with the aim of mobilising private sector support for the future model schools. 

The libraries of the two schools have been transformed into modern learning spaces, aligned with contemporary educational trends and student needs. Each library is equipped with a work area containing computers, tables with dividers, laptops, a multifunctional printer, and a corkboard. The shelves have been placed at student height to ensure easy access to books, and the spaces have become brighter and more welcoming. The total investment for the two libraries is over €91,000, provided by OTP Bank. 

Two of the 90 future model schools are receiving financial and technical support from the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In addition to renovating the physics, chemistry, and biology labs, teachers and administrators are participating in professional development trainings to strengthen their teaching and digital skills.