Eighty-one vocational schools, colleges, and centers of excellence in Moldova were equipped with educational resources and menstrual hygiene products during a public donation event organized by UNFPA.
Each institution received an #EduLife box with interactive educational materials for life skills lessons and dispensers with sanitary pads to be installed in school restrooms, providing free access for girls.
The total investment of approximately 1.5 million MDL is part of the "Connecting Youth with Jobs through Life Skills Development" program, implemented by UNFPA Moldova in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research and funded by the Austrian Development Agency through the Austrian Development Cooperation program.
Equipping the vocational education system with educational resources and menstrual hygiene products aims to create safe and inclusive school environments and encourage open discussions about taboo topics, such as sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence prevention, and equitable personal and professional development opportunities.
"By preparing young people for life, we develop essential skills and support them in becoming active citizens. I am confident that teachers will make the most of the EduLIFE boxes and contribute significantly to promoting a healthy lifestyle among youth," said Galina Rusu, State Secretary, Ministry of Education and Research.
A pilot program conducted by UNFPA in 2023 in four general education schools demonstrated that health education and free access to menstrual hygiene products significantly reduce absenteeism among girls and decrease bullying incidents. Results showed that after installing sanitary pad dispensers, the percentage of girls missing classes due to menstruation dropped over fourfold—from 55.2% to 12.5%. Additionally, 56% of interviewed girls reported feeling safer at school.
"Access to menstrual hygiene products and information about our bodies is essential for students. We, as girls, feel safer at school knowing that sanitary pads are readily available in an emergency. Thank you for caring about our health and dignity and for making school a friendlier and more inclusive place," said Andreea Grosu, a student at the Center of Excellence in Informatics and Information Technology, during the event.
EduLIFE boxes include innovative resources to support learning about healthy development and life skills formation among adolescents and youth. The materials can be adapted for formal and non-formal education and tailored to the specific needs of the target groups.
"Inside the EduLIFE boxes, you will find essential information for the harmonious development of youth. These resources go beyond educational materials—they are real support tools for young people's growth and learning journey. Teachers, you are a guiding light for generations. Through partnerships, we can set positive examples and make a real difference. I look forward to seeing how these tools will be applied and impact young people's lives," said Karina Nersesyan, UNFPA Resident Representative in Moldova.
Each EduLIFE box includes:
- Teacher's guide for the subject Decisions for a Healthy Lifestyle;
- Educational board game "Fără Tabu";
- Flashcards on contraceptive methods;
- Flashcards on HIV/AIDS prevention;
- Poster "The Male Reproductive System";
- Poster "The Female Reproductive System";
- Puzzle "Puberty Changes in Boys";
- Puzzle "Puberty Changes in Girls".
"Over the years, with UNFPA and the Ministry of Education and Research, we have developed a modern curriculum, trained dedicated teachers, and now provide access to essential school resources. These practical tools aim to support the harmonious development of youth, particularly those facing additional challenges, such as the absence of parents working abroad. Teachers become mentors for these students, offering guidance and support throughout their learning process," emphasized Sandra Horina, Head of the Coordination Office of the Austrian Development Agency.
Access to youth-friendly environments and educational resources tailored to their learning needs helps unlock their potential, preparing them to make informed decisions and become active community members. Thus, young people acquire essential skills for life and careers, equipping them to face challenges and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
