EDUTechLab Centers: Modern learning opportunities for Ukrainian children in Moldova

Through the EDUTech Lab project, we aim to create quality educational conditions for Ukrainian children. At the education centres, students will have access to online learning platforms during school hours, followed by supervised extra-curricular activities.

In addition, the education centres will also serve as a space for non-formal education, including language classes, digital skills development, and other cognitive entertainment activities for children.

Currently, 81 EDUTech Lab learning labs can provide spaces for social and emotional learning and promote social cohesion among both Ukrainian and Moldovan children.

Recently, at the "Anton Cehov" Theoretical Lyceum in Chisinau, we held an informative event entitled "Everything you need to know about EDUTech Labs". At the event project partners had a detailed dialogue with parents of refugee children, representatives of the media, as well as the school administration.

Together with UNICEF, Moldova showed how the EDUTech Labs can be used, how online education can be facilitated, and how additional lessons can be taken, like robotics lessons, as well as recreational activities organised. The event ended with a Q&A session where parents had the opportunity to ask questions about the functioning and use of the labs and the organisers provided detailed answers, clarifying the technical and educational aspects of the project.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from parents:

1) What opportunities does EduTech Lab offer?

Within the framework of the project, refugee children can attend EDUTech Labs in Moldovan educational institutions. Trained facilitators will guide them, and they will have the opportunity to study online, following the Ukrainian curriculum. At the same time, EDUTech Labs are safe, child-friendly learning environments with structured schedules to promote well-being, socialisation of children and the establishment of new friendships.

2) Can the children visit the centre if there are no online lessons due to power outages or other reasons?

In case of power supply problems in Ukraine, our centres are equipped with various materials, including books and teaching manuals related to the Ukrainian curriculum, to continue your child's studies.

3) Holiday programmes in Ukraine and Moldova are different. Will these centres operate during school holidays in Moldova?

The centres will operate according to the Ukrainian school study programme.

4) What documents do we need to register for an EDUTech Lab centre?

To register, you need a parent's passport (domestic or foreign), birth certificate and/or child's passport (if available), and temporary protection (if available).

5) After the main lessons are completed, is extra time allocated for helping children with their homework? Are there other activities in the school that children can attend after class?

Centres operate from 8:00 to 17:00. In the afternoons, after the end of the online lessons, there will be various activities for children, circles and masterclasses, robotics and computer science lessons, and additional classes in different subjects, depending on the needs of the children. The facilitator will help as many children as possible in case they have difficulties with homework.

6) Is it possible to use the school canteen free of charge or have a free snack for children?

Unfortunately, the project does not provide free meals, but children can use the canteen.

7) Will laptops be provided and what will be the timetable for online lessons?

Yes, the children will be provided with laptops for use in the centre, headphones and access to the internet. And the EDUTech Lab timetable will be posted.

8) Will children also be given a student ID card? Because this would facilitate their travel by public transportation.

Unfortunately, no. ID cards are provided to children who are enrolled in school and learning according to the national curriculum.

9) Will it be possible to obtain a certificate stating that the child is attending school full-time while learning in an online class at a local school?

In EDUTech Labs, we provide access to online education, and the classes are conducted remotely with Ukrainian teachers. Therefore, such a programme is not full-time, and we cannot provide such a certificate.

10) How and when can we choose a centre and register my child to visit?

To select a centre and register your child, you need to access this link EduTechLabs Form (activityinfo.org) and then fill in the registration form. Registration will be subject to centre availability during the 2024-2025 school year.

11) What will be the working hours of the centre?

We are planning the following work programme:

08:00 - 13:30 - Online courses following the Ukrainian curriculum

14:00 - 16:00 - Additional courses / Robotics

16:00 - 17:00 - Recreational activities

12) What other opportunities do these centres offer?

Beneficiaries of the EDUTech Lab will have access to other programmes implemented by People in Need, such as vouchers for clothing, food, financial assistance, and specialised assistance as needed.

The Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, in collaboration with UNICEF and partnership with People in Need, encourages Ukrainian families to enrol their children in Moldovan schools for interactive and hands-on learning. However, if they prefer the online learning option, students can study according to the Ukrainian curriculum in the 81 EDUTech Labs across our country. In this way, we ensure that all children will benefit from a quality education, whether they choose to study in classrooms or learn online.