With the support of Poland, the European Union and UNDP Moldova, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research, Ion Creangă High School in in Fălești will be transformed into a model school. The school is one of the 90 future model schools that will be modernized and upgraded in the coming years. 

The high school currently has 584 students, including 11 children with special educational needs. Recently, officials from the Polish Government visited the school and discussed ongoing progress with students, teachers and the management team. 

The Polish Government is investing over a million dollars in this project. The school is also benefitting from an additional 190,000 dollars from the European Union. These funds will be used for major repairs and renovations to the physics, chemistry and biology laboratories, for equipping the mathematics classroom, and for modernizing the library. An additional floor will also be built to accommodate the educational and administrative spaces needed for school’s smooth operation, which will increase the school capacity to accommodate additionally up to 180 students. 

The renovated spaces will include areas where students and teachers can relax, and all classrooms will be equipped with modern technologies, including resources to support students with disabilities.

“The transformation of Ion Creangă High School in Fălești into a model school is part of the Ministry of Education and Research’s broader effort to modernise schools across the country. This investment aligns with the ministry's strategy to establish a network of 90 model schools that will become standards of excellence in infrastructure and implement innovative teaching, learning, and inclusion methods. By partnering with the Polish Government, the European Union, UNDP, and other international organisations, we are ensuring that students throughout Moldova will have access to modern resources and a learning environment that helps them reach their full potential,” stated Dan Perciun, Minister of Education and Research.

“We strongly believe that proper education is the basis for building resilient society. Behind every renovated classroom is a child who feels more motivated and more hopeful. Poland is proud to support Moldova in improving school infrastructure and this project demonstrates what strong partnership and cooperation can achieve. Together we are laying the groundwork for better learning outcomes today and stronger communities tomorrow,” said Olga Jabłońska, Deputy Director of the Department of Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Poland.

“For UNDP, modernizing schools is about co-creation of physical spaces that inspire and transform investments into lasting impact on the future of Moldova's children. At Ion Creangă High School in Fălești, we are working together to build a space where students can learn, create, and feel safe. The fact that the design process was participatory shows that this change is coming from within the community itself. We are delighted to be part of the national effort to transform the 90 model schools”, mentioned Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova. 

The design process for the school’s transformation was fully participatory, involving students, parents, teachers and the management team. Those who took part in the consultations contributed with concrete ideas to finalise the renovation process.

The construction is expected to begin in March 2026 and will last approximately 18 months. 

The school library is also being reorganized into a modern, multifunctional learning environment. It will provide students with a space for socializing as well as for individual and group work. The relaxation area will offer resources that encourage leisure reading and provide comfortable rest areas for students and teachers. 

The Model Schools Network is a project of the Ministry of Education and Research. The authorities have selected 90 schools which be transformed to serve as a model for other schools in terms of infrastructure and teaching methods. The initiative is supported by the World Bank, the European Union, UNDP, UNICEF and other international organizations. The project is also supported by several private companies.