Improving the Educational Environment for Ukrainian Refugee Children in the Republic of Moldova

    The project is implemented under the JICA initiative focused on improving the educational environment for Ukrainian refugee children in the Republic of Moldova. It aims to support the social integration and well-being of Ukrainian refugee children aged 10–18 by expanding access to quality extracurricular education and creating opportunities for them to learn and engage alongside children from Moldova.

    Implemented by a consortium of People in Need (PIN) and the National Congress of Ukrainians of Moldova (NCUM), the project is designed to reach 700 children, with approximately 60% Ukrainian refugee children and 40% children from Moldova across selected public schools.

    The programme combines educational, psychosocial, cultural and practical activities delivered in school settings. Children can take part in Social Emotional Learning, Romanian language support, STEM and robotics, career orientation, educational and cultural excursions, outdoor activities, creative arts, music and cultural exchange, as well as practical and culinary workshops. For adolescents, the programme also includes educational visits and opportunities to learn more about different professional environments.

    NCUM contributes to the implementation of extracurricular activities in northern and southern regions of Moldova, working in coordination with PIN and local schools and communities. NCUM-led activities focus on creative and artistic expression, music and cultural exchange, practical skills, culinary workshops, and educational and workplace visits for adolescents.

    The project also includes a dedicated component at Taras Șevcenco School in Chișinău. The school will receive support to expand extracurricular learning opportunities for Ukrainian refugee and Moldovan students, including equipment and educational materials, as well as a programme of activities based on the needs and interests of students. The activities will cover areas such as social-emotional learning, Romanian language, STEM and robotics, career orientation, creative activities, music and cultural exchange.

    By bringing Ukrainian refugee and Moldovan children together through shared educational and extracurricular activities, the project aims to strengthen learning motivation, psychosocial well-being, peer interaction and social inclusion. The experience gained through the programme will also contribute to practical recommendations for further development of inclusive extracurricular education in Moldova.

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