On 7 February, 2025, a workshop entitled “Promoting multilingual education as a tool for managing diversity and social integration in the Republic of Moldova” took place. The objectives of the workshop were to discuss key tasks and practical approaches for the implementation of the concept of multilingual education (MLE) in the Republic of Moldova; to identify priority steps and actions for creating the necessary conditions for the implementation of multilingual education.
The event was opened by Valentina Olaru, State Secretary in the areas of general education, lifelong learning and interethnic relations, Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova (MoE), who stated that the effective implementation of MLE aims to create a modern, inclusive and relevant education system for today’s society, which will prepare students to be active and responsible citizens in a diverse and multicultural world. “By promoting multilingual education, we aim to develop pupils’ language skills and strengthen social cohesion, preparing them to become active and responsible citizens in a diverse and multicultural society. We will continue to collaborate and exchange best practices in order to advance this essential process for the future of education in the Republic of Moldova” – summarised the State Secretary.
The workshop was also attended by members of the working group for the implementation of multilingual education, experts and national agencies involved in the implementation of multilingual education; partners of the MoE, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and CMI – Peace Foundation Martti Ahtisaari.
During the workshop participants discussed key aspects of the development and implementation of inclusive and sustainable multilingual education, the benefits of multilingual education for society and for learners. The event also analysed the challenges and opportunities of multilingual education, its benefits for monolingual learners and its impact on society. The experts also evaluated the Action Plan for the Development of Multilingual Education in the Republic of Moldova and made recommendations for the implementation of bilingual/multilingual programmes in general education.
“Through effective collaboration and a strong commitment, we will turn this programme into a valuable tool for the development of the linguistic competences of our monolingual pupils” – said Adriana Cazacu, Secretary of State for Research and Innovation, MoE.
The experts participated in group work sessions where priority activities for the implementation of the Action Plan were identified and proposed. Educational resources used in institutions where the multilingual education programme is implemented were also presented.
Previousely an official delegation of the Republic of Moldova, consisting of representatives of the Government: Ministry of Education and Research, Ministry of Finance, Agency for Interethnic Relations, educational institutions from Chisinau and the Gagauz autonomy, conducted a study visit to South Tyrol (Italy) to analyse the region’s model in the field of multilingual education and to study the good European practices.
The study visit was part of the education dialogue process of CMI, which supports the efforts of the Ministry of Education and Research to implement the Concept of Multilingual Education in the Republic of Moldova.
