CHIȘINĂU, November 7, 2024 – Teachers in Moldova's vocational education and training (VET) system who teach the course Decisions for a Healthy Lifestyle will now be able to update their knowledge through continuing training programs regularly. Two institutions – the Center of Excellence in Light Industry in Chișinău and the Center of Excellence in Services and Food Processing in Bălți – have been accredited by the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and Research to conduct these trainings.
This initiative results from a longstanding partnership between UNFPA, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Austrian Development Agency, and field experts. It aims to create a structured training mechanism to address adolescents' evolving needs and develop their life skills.
According to a 2020 UNFPA study, VET students face significant challenges related to their physical and emotional health, such as adolescent pregnancies and violence. Continuous teacher training is essential to equip educators with the tools to address these issues effectively.
"The accreditation of these institutions is a milestone for the entire vocational education system and a testament to our partnership with UNFPA and the Austrian Development Agency. Creating supportive learning environments helps students absorb knowledge more effectively, and the skills taught in this course bring teachers closer to their students," stated Galina Rusu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Research.
This fall, the first groups of teachers completed the continuing training program and received certification. In total, 64 teachers from 48 VET institutions participated in the program, which included topics such as interpersonal relationships, sexual and reproductive health, emotional intelligence, debunking myths and prejudices, recognizing abuse and violence, and more.
"The Decisions for a Healthy Lifestyle course introduces a modern approach to education. Teachers can use innovative techniques and resources to engage students on topics that shape their long-term decisions and behaviors. Continuing training programs ensure that teachers stay up-to-date to address the changing needs of adolescents better," said Karina Nersesyan, UNFPA Resident Representative in Moldova.
The training program spans several months, during which teachers apply the newly acquired knowledge in parallel with their regular teaching. Over the next four years, all VET teachers who teach the Decisions for a Healthy Lifestyle course will undergo training at these two accredited Centers of Excellence.
"Achieving accreditation has been a long journey since 2017, and it is an honor to have reached this point. We now have teaching, learning, and evaluation materials for students and teachers, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a team of national trainers ready to support educators across the VET system. This program forms the foundation for initial professional training, life skills development, and fostering healthy behaviors among students. Moreover, the accredited program bridges the gap between academia and the labor market," emphasized Alexandra Raețchi, Director of the Center of Excellence in Light Industry in Chișinău.
By the end of 2024, all VET institutions in Moldova will also be equipped with a range of innovative educational resources to support the teaching of this course.
The training activities and development of educational resources are part of the program "Connecting Youth with Jobs through Life Skills Development" implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, with financial support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) through Austrian Development Cooperation funding.
