Protection of the Right to Access Education

    Since 2022, the NCUM has been working to protect and strengthen the right of Ukrainian refugee children to access education in the Republic of Moldova, while supporting their inclusion in the Moldovan education system and preserving their Ukrainian language and cultural identity.
    Over this period, NCUM’s advocacy has contributed to expanding Ukrainian children’s access to the Moldovan education system, strengthening Ukrainian-language education, and improving access to Ukrainian textbooks and educational materials. Key advocacy outcomes have also included the restoration and development of the Taras Shevchenko Gymnasium, the establishment of the first educational centre for children, “Dyvosvit”, and the exemption of Ukrainian refugee children from mandatory examinations on the history, culture and traditions of the Russian people.
    In 2024, the National Congress of Ukrainians of Moldova actively worked to improve Ukrainian refugee children's access to education, preserve their cultural identity and integrate them into Moldovan society.
    One of the key achievements was the introduction of a multi-lingual education mechanism, which allows children to study the school curriculum in Ukrainian with the obligatory study of Romanian as the state language. Within the framework of advocacy, NCUM initiated consultations with the Moldovan Ministry of Education and Research aimed at developing educational programs for Ukrainian children, including adaptation of curricula, improvement of study material and technical base of schools.
    Thanks to the joint advocacy efforts, in September 2024, for the first time Ukrainian-language classes were opened in Moldova. The pilot program was implemented by the Ministry of Education and Research of Moldova based on the request of the NCUM. The Taras Shevchenko Gymnasium in Chisinau was the first school to receive 290 students, including refugee children from Ukraine and local students.
    The program provides an inclusive environment for learning and integration, and preserves the possibility of receiving education in the Ukrainian language. In cooperation with international organizations, including UNICEF and UNHCR, NCUM is working to further develop the gymnasium's infrastructural capacity and translate teaching materials into Ukrainian.
    Based on the successful experience of the Taras Shevchenko Gymnasium, NCUM is working with the Moldovan Ministry of Education and Research to adapt this model for other schools. As part of this initiative, training of Ukrainian classes has begun in four educational institutions in the north of Moldova, including in regions with a high percentage of ethnic Ukrainians. One of the next initiatives was the opening of Ukrainian classes at the Mihail Cogalniceanu Lyceum in Balti.
   NCUM's activities in the field of education not only ensure Ukrainian children's access to quality education, but also create conditions for their successful integration into Moldovan society while preserving their national identity.
    In 2025 and 2026, NCUM continued its advocacy and policy engagement to strengthen the inclusion of Ukrainian refugee children in Moldova’s education system. NCUM participated in consultations with the Ministry of Education and Research, refugee parents and international partners, contributing to discussions on access to education, language support and practical barriers to school enrolment. In 2025, this engagement formed part of broader efforts to support the integration of refugee children into the Moldovan education system, including the development of a roadmap for their integration and the introduction of a Romanian language curriculum for refugee and diaspora students. Through the Back-to-School campaign and coordinated efforts with national authorities and educational institutions, 2,877 children were enrolled in formal education in 2025. This work contributed to reducing educational exclusion, strengthening the integration of refugee children within the national education system, and supporting the transition from emergency education assistance towards more sustainable and inclusive approaches.
    As part of its partnership with UNICEF, NCUM also continued to support access to education through information, counselling and community engagement. The Back-to-School campaign provided refugee parents with information on school enrolment procedures, while Romanian language courses supported Ukrainian refugee children in adapting to the Moldovan education system and participating more fully in school and community life. NCUM also continued to provide families with information and counselling on education and available services, helping to address practical barriers to children’s participation in education.
    Alongside its advocacy and information activities, NCUM has expanded its work to promote inclusive educational environments where Ukrainian refugee and Moldovan children can learn and interact together. In 2026, NCUM further expanded this work through the “Improving the Educational Environment for Ukrainian Refugee Children in the Republic of Moldova” initiative, implemented in partnership with People in Need under the JICA initiative. The initiative includes social-emotional learning, Romanian language support, STEM and robotics, career orientation, creative activities, music and cultural exchange, with the aim of strengthening children’s well-being, social integration and participation in inclusive extracurricular education.
    NCUM’s education advocacy continues to address both access to Ukrainian-language education and the barriers that may prevent refugee children from fully participating in the Moldovan education system. Through policy dialogue and advocacy, information and counselling, language support, access to educational resources and the development of inclusive learning environments, NCUM continues to support Ukrainian refugee children in accessing quality education, participating in school and community life, and preserving their language and cultural identity.
    Cooperation with the Moldovan Ministry of Education and Research, international organizations and other partners remains a priority for NCUM in guaranteeing the access to education for our community members.